
Glass 
Book 



r^ 



bq&h 






41 <f£jl 



COLLECTION 

OF 



AND cA 



££ 



A LITURGY, 



FOR THE USE OF 

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES 

TO WHICH ARE ADDED 

PRAYERS 

FOR FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS. 



New and Enlarged Stereotype Edition. 



PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 
MINISTERIU M OF THE STATE OF NEW^YORK. 



" I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding 
also. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understand- 
ing also."— 1 Cor. xiv. 15. 




N E W - Y R 



PRINTED AND SOLD BY HENRY LTJDWIG, 

Corner of Greenwich and Vesey-streets. 

Sold also by N. B. HOLMES, No. 262, Greenwich-st., New-York ,— Rev. 
F. G. MAYER, No. 25, Montgomery-street, Albany ;— GEORGE W. 
MENTZ <fe SON, No. 53, North Third-st., Philadelphia ;— and also 
at Charleston, S. C. 



1834. 




\* * • %%£i 



2^i«s.Vs7 ws* 



■BY?* 






[Entered according- to the Act of Congress, in the year of our Lord 
one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four, by F.W.Geissenh ainer, jr. 
and Wm. D. Strobel, in trust for the Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium 
of the State of New- York and adjacent parts, in the Clerk's Office of 
the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of 
New-York.] 



/ft 



/ 



NEW -YORK: 

STEREOTYPED BY HENRY W. REES, 

No. 45, Gold-street. 



PREFACE 

TO THE NEW AND ENLARGED EDITION. 



By a resolution of the thirty-eighth Synod of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of the State of 
New- York and adjacent parts, held in the city of New- 
York, in September, 1H33, the Rev. Messrs. P. F. 
Mayer, D.D., C. R. Demms, D.D., F. G. Mayer, 
F. W. Geissenhainer, Jr., and Wm. D. Strobel 
were constituted a Committee for the purpose of pub- 
lishing a New Edition of the Hymn Book and Lit- 
urgy, with an additional number of Hymns and Pray- 
ers, The present work has been prepared and pub- 
lished in accordance with the said Resolution, and it 
is hoped, that it will be found adapted to the wants 
of the Church. 

New-York, August 1, 1834. 



PREFACE TO THE FORMER EDITION. 

The singing of Hymns is justly considered a delightful and impor- 
tant part of public worship. It was in use even among the ancient 
heathens. Moses introduced it, by Divine command, into his religious 
institution ; and David raised it to high perfection by his poetical ta- 
lents and musical skill. Our blessed Saviour has recommended this 
pious exercise to his followers by his own practice ; and St. Paul ex- 
horts us to " teach and admonish one another in spiritual songs, sing- 
ing with grace in our hearts to the Lord." No act of social religion is 
either more pleasing in itself, or more happily adapted to cherish the 
love of God and man, than that which is enforced by these high authori- 
ties. 

The Lutheran Church in Germany is distinguished for its attachment 
to sacred music, and is possessed of, perhaps, the best and most nu- 
merous collections of hymns extant in the Christian world. From 
this source, our congregations in the United States have derived abun- 
dant supplies. The prevalence of the English language, however, 
makes it necessary for many members of our communion to conduct 
their public worship, altogether, or in part, in that language, and of 



IV PREFACE. 

course to provide for them a compilation of English hymns. Thi9 has 
indeed been already attempted by several individuals. But as the se- 
lections, published by them, evidently admit of great improvement, 
another was ordered to be prepared by a committee appointed for that 
purpose by the Lutheran Synod of the State of New-York, convened at 
Rhinebeck in September, A.D. 1812; and in compliance with this order, 
the following work is printed. It is not pretended to be as perfect as 
could be wished, nor are all its parts of equal value. But the materials, 
of which it is composed, have been chosen with no little care and con- 
sideration ; a large number of hymn-books of various denominations has 
been consulted; and it is hoped, that it will receive in a good degree 
the approbation of those for whom it is intended, and become a means of 
promoting their edification. 

The same Committee was charged with the preparation of a new and 
enlarged Liturgy for our churches. Forms of prayer, with necessary 
directions and addresses to congregations, are, accordingly, presented 
in this volume, proper to be employed in Divine service generally, in 
the administration of the sacraments, and in the celebration of other 
solemn rites customary amongst us. But the use of these forms is left 
entirely to the discretion of congregations and ministers, the Synod 
having no design to make them binding upon any in connection with 
us, but judging that the leaders of the devotions of their brethren 
should be at perfect liberty to address the throne of grace in their own 
words. It will, perhaps, be found most expedient, that such forms and 
the free or precomposed«prayers of ministers should be used alternate- 
ly. At all events, the Liturgy will, we trust, prove serviceable to 
young clergymen, to vacant churches, and to persons remote from 
Christian temples and desiring to unite together in the adoration of 
the Most High. 

Along with devotional exercises for congregations,it has been thought 
proper to publish others for families and individuals, adapted to a va- 
riety of situations, relations, and characters. Some of these, as well 
as several parts of the Liturgy, have been translated from the German; 
others have been taken from English authors and collections ; and a 
considerable degree of freedom has been used in selecting and framing 
them. We commend this part of the work particularly to the atten- 
tion of our brethren in their domestic and private worship ; believing, 
that it breathes a spirit of pure Christian piety and love ; and hoping, 
that it will assist in instructing the young and uninformed how to pray, 
in comforting the distressed, in awakening a sense of religion in the 
careless, and in quickening the faith, hope, and charity of upright be- 
lievers in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

To the whole of this Book, as far as it agrees with his ti ath in scrip- 
ture, may it please Almighty God to give his blessing, and make it in- 
strumental in glorifying his name. 

FREDERICK H. QUITMAN, D.D. 
President of the ^Evangelical Lutheran Synod of the State of N.York. 
Augustus Wackerhagen, Secretary, p. t. 



COLLECTION 



OF 



HYMNS 



FOR 



EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 



CHURCHES 



ORDER AND SUBJECTS OF THE HYMNS. 



Pag-e 

I. Praise and Thanksgiving, 1 

II. Character and Perfections of God, 22 

III. Works of God in Nature, ... 44 

IV. Divine Providence and Government, 52 

V. Mission and Nativity of Christ, 69 

VI. Office and Mediation of Christ, - 77 

VII. Example of Christ, 93 

VIII. Sufferings and Death of Christ, - - - 97 

IX. Resurrection and Glory of Christ, - - 112 

X. Kingdom and Church of Christ, - 124 
XL The Influence of God's Holy Spirit, - - 131 

XII. The Scriptures, - - - - - 140 

XIII. Supplication for the Divine Favour and Assis- 

tance, ------- 147 

XIV. The Danger and Misery of Sin, - - 153 

XV. Repentance and Conversion, - 167 

XVI. The Joy and Happiness of True Christians, 179 

XVII. The Christian Character and Life, in general, 189 

XVI II. Faith, 202 

XIX. Duties of Piety, 209 

XX. Personal Duties, - - - - - 221 

XXI. Social Duties, - - - - - - 229 

XXII. Public Worship, 244 

XXIII. Baptism, 258 

XXIV. The Lord's Supper, - ^ - - - - 261 

XXV. Particular Occasions and Circumstances, - 267 

1. Morning, - 267 

2. Evening, - - - - - - 271 

3. New-Year, 274 

4. Public and National Blessings and Afflic- 

tions, - 276 

5. For a Congregation, - 287 

6. Sickness and Recovery, - - - 291 

7. On the Death of Relatives or Friends, - 297 

8. For the Young and Old, - 302 

XXVI. The Troubles of Life, - 306 

XXVII. Death, 316 

XXVIII. Resurrection, 332 

XXIX. Judgment and End of the World, - - 335 

XXX. Heaven, 342 

XXXI. Additional Hymns, 351 



A 

COLLECTION OF HYMNS 



I 

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING. 



Hymn 1. l. m. 

1 T>EFORE Jehovah's awful throne, 
JD Ye nations bow with sacred joy : 
Know that the Lord is God alone ; 
He can create, and he destroy. 

"2 His so v' reign pow'r, without our aid, 
Made us of clay, and form'd us men ; 
And, when like wand' ring sheep we stray' d, 
He brought us to his fold again. 

3 We are his people, we his care, 

Our souls and all our mortal frame : 
What lasting honours shall we rear, 
Almighty Maker, to thy name % 

4 We'll crowd thy gates with thankful songs ; 

High as the heav'ns our voices raise : 
And earth with her ten thousand tongues, 
Shall fill thy courts with sounding praise. 

5 Wide as the world is thy command ; 

Vast as eternity thy love ; 
Firm as a rock thy truth must stand, 
When rolling years shall cease to move. 



'M 



praise and 
Hymn 2. l. m. 

Y God, my Life, thy various praise 
Shall fill the remnant of my days ; 
Thy grace employ my thankful tongue, 
Till death improve the grateful song. 

2 The wings of ev'ry hour shall bear 
Some thankful tribute to thine ear • 
And ev'ry setting sun shall see 
New works of duty done for thee. 

3 But who can speak thy wondrous deeds'? 
Thy greatness all our thoughts exceeds. 
Vast and unsearchable thy ways, 

Vast and unceasing be thy praise. 

4 Let endless honours crown thy head ; 
Let ev'ry age thy praises spread; 
While we with cheerful songs approve 
The condescension of thy love. - 

Hymn 3. c. m. 

1 ^\7~E humble souls, approach your God 

JL With songs of sacred praise ; 
For He is good, immensely good, 
And kind are all his ways. 

2 All nature owns his guardian care; 

In him we live and move : 
But nobler benefits declare 
The wonders of his love. 

3 He gave his Son, his only Son, 

To ransom rebel worms. 
'Tis here he makes his goodness known 
In its diviner forms. 

4 To this dear refuge, Lord, we come; 

5 Tis here our hope relies ; 
A safe defence, a peaceful home, 
When storms of trouble rise. 



THANKSGIVING. 3 



5 Thine eye beholds with kind regard 

The souls who trust in thee ; 
Their humble hope thou wilt reward 
With bliss divinely free. 

6 Great God, to thy almighty love 

What honours shall we raise? 
Not all the l'aptur'd songs above 
Can render equal praise. 



Hymn 4 cm. 

ORD, when our raptur'd thought surveys 
Creation's beauties o'er ; 
All nature joins to teach thy praise, 
And bids our souls adore. 



L 



2 Where'er we turn our gazing eyes, 

Thy radiant footsteps shine ; 
Ten thousand pleasing wonders rise, 
And speak their source divine. 

3 The living tribes of countless forms 

In earth and sea and air, 
The meanest flies, the smallest worms, 
Almighty pow'r declare. 

4 Thy wisdom, pow'r, and goodness, Lord, 

In all thy works appear : 
And, O ! let man thy praise record 
Man, thy distinguish' d care ! 

5 From thee the breath of life he drew; 

That breath thy pow'r maintains ; 
Thy tender mercy, ever new, 
His brittle frame sustains. 

6 Yet nobler favours claim his praise, 

Of reason's light possess' d, 
By revelation's brightest rays 
Still more divinely bless' d. 



4 PRAISE AND 

7 On us thy providence has shone 
With gentle, smiling rays ; 
O may our lips and lives make known 
Thy goodness and thy praise f 

Hymn 5. l. m. 

1 f~^ IVE to our God immortal praise ! 
v3T Mercy and truth are all his ways. 

Wonders of grace to God belong : 
Repeat his mercies in your song. 

2 Give to the Lord of lords renown, 
The King of kings with glory crown. 
His mercies ever shall endure, 

When lords and kings are known no more. 

3 He built the earth, he spread the sky, 
And fix'd the starry lights on high. 
Wonders of grace to God belong : 
Repeat his mercies in your song. 

4 He fills the sun with morning light ; 
He bids the moon direct the night. 
His mercies ever shall endure, 

When suns and moons shall shine no more. 

5 He sent his Son with pow'r to save 
From guilt, and darkness, and the grave. 
Wonders of grace to God belong : 
Repeat his mercies in your song. 

6 Through this vain world he guides our feet, 
And leads us to his heav'nly seat. 

His mercies ever shall endure, 

When this vain world shall be no more. 



Hymn 6. l. m. 

ROM all that dwell below the skies, 
Let the Creator's praise arise ; 
Let the Redeemer's name be sung 
Through ev'ry land, by evry tongue. 



■r 



THANKSGIVING. 5 

2 Eternal are thy mercies, Lord, 
Eternal truth attends thy word. 
Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore, 
Till suns shall rise and set no more. 

Hymn 7. p. m. 

1 T'LL praise my Maker, whilst. I've breath; 
JL And, when my voice is lost in death, 

Praise shall employ my nobler pow'rs. 
My days of praise shall ne'er be past 
Whilst life and thought and being last, 

Or immortality endures, 

2 Happy the man, whose hopes rely 
On Israel's God, who made the sky, 

And earth, and seas, with all their train. 
His truth for ever stands secure ; 
He saves th' oppress' d, he feeds the poor ; 

And none shall find his promise vain. 

The Lord pours eye -sight on the blind ; 
The Lord supports the fainting mind ; 

He sends the lab' ring conscience peace; 
He helps the stranger in distress, 
The widow and the fatherless, 

And grants the pris'ner sweet release. 

I'll praise him, while he lends me breath ; 
And, when my voice is lost in death, 

Praise shall employ my nobler pow'rs. 
My days of praise shall ne'er be past, 
Whilst life and thought and being last, 

Or immortality endures. 

Hymn 8. p. m. 

O PRAISE ye the Lord ! prepare a new song ; 
And let all his saints in full concert join : 
With voices united the anthem prolong, 

And shew forth his praises with music divine. 



PRAISE AND 

Let praise to the Lord, who made us, ascend ; 

Let each grateful heart be glad in its king. 
The God, whom we worship, our songs will attend, 

And view with complacence the off' ring we bring. 

Be joyful, ye saints, sustain' d by his might, 

And let your glad songs awake with each morn : 
or those who obey film, are still his delight ; 
His hand with salvation the meek will adorn. 

Then praise ye the Lord ! prepare a glad song ; 

And let all his saints in full concert join : 
With voices united, the anthem prolong, 

And shew forth his praises with music divine* 

Hymn 9. p. m. 

1 r 1 1 your Creator God, 

JL Your great Preserver, raise, 
Ye creatures of his hand, 
Your highest notes of praise. 
Let ev'ry voice 
Proclaim his pow'r, 
His name adore, 
And loud rejoice. 

2 Thou source of light and heat, 

Bright sov' reign of the day, 

Dispensing blessings round, 

With all-diffusive ray; 

From morn to night, 

With ev'ry beam, 

Record his name, 

Who made thee bright. 

3 Fair regent of the night, 

With all thy starry train, 
Which rise in silent hosts, 
To gild the azure plain ; 
With countless rays 
Declare his name, 



THANKSGIVING. 

Prolong the theme, 
Reflect his praise. 

Let all the creatures join 
To celebrate his name, 
And all their various pow'rs 
Assist th' exalted theme. 
Let nature raise 
From ev'ry tongue 
A gen'ral song 

Of grateful praise. 

But, orf? from human tongues 
Should nobler praises flow ; 
And ev'ry thankful heart 
With warm devotion glow. 
Your voices raise, 
Ye highly blest 
Above the rest; 
Declare his praise. 

Hymn 10. p. m. 

GLORY be to God on high, y 
God, whose glory fills the sky; 
Peace on earth to man forgiv'n, 
Man, the well belov'd of heav'n. 
Glory be to' God on high, 
God, whose glory fills the sky. 

Favour' d mortals, raise the song; 
Endless thanks to God belong ; 
Hearts o'erflow'ng with his praise, 
Join the hymns' your voices raise : 

Glory be, &c. 

Call the tribes of beings round, 
From creation's utmost bound ; 
Where the Godhead shines confess' d, 
There be solemn praise address' d : 

Glory be, &c. 
2 



PRAISE AND 

4 Mark the wonders of his hand ! 
Pow'r, no empire can withstand ; 
Wisdom, angels' glorious theme ; 
Goodness, one eternal stream : 

Glory be, &c. 

5 Awful Being ! from thy throne 
Send thy promis'd blessings down. 
Let thy light, thy truth, thy peace, 
Bid our raging passions cease : * 

Glory be, &c, 

Hymn 11. s. m. 

1 /""I OME, sound his praise abroad, 
V_y And hymns of glory sing ! 
Jehovah is the Sov 1 reign God, 

The universal King. 

2 He form'd the deeps unknown; 

He gave the seas their bound ; 
The wat'ry worlds are all his own, 
And all the solid ground. 

3 Come, worship at his throne ; 

Come, bow before the Lord. 
We are his works and not our own ; 
He form'd us by his word. 

4 To day attend his voice, 

Nor dare provoke his rod ; 
Come, like the people of his choice, 
And own your gracious God ! 

Hymn 12. p. m. *-/ J 

1 TTOLY, holy, holy Lord ! / 
JlJL Be thy glorious name ador'd. 
Lord, thy mercies never fail : 
Hail, celestial Goodness, hail ! 



THANKSGIVING. 9 

2 Though unworthy, Lord, thine ear, 
Deign our humble songs to hear. 
Purer praise we hope to bring, 
When around thy throne we sing. 

3 There no tongue shall silent be ; 
All shall join in harmony ; 

That through heav'n' s capacious round 
Praise to thee may ever sound. 

4 Lord, thy mercies never fail : 
Hail, celestial Goodness, hail ! 
Holy, holy, holy Lord ! 

Be thy glorious name ador'd. 

Hymn 13. p. m. $ <^ 

1 T> EGIN, my soul, th' exalted lay ; 
Jj Let each enraptur'd thought obey, 

And praise th' almighty name. 
Let heav'n and earth, and seas, and skies, 
In one harmonious concert rise, 

To swell the glorious theme. 

2 Ye angels, catch the joyful sound, 
While all th' adoring throngs around 

His wondrous mercy sing. 
Let all who fill the realms above, 
Awake the tuneful soul of love, 

And touch the sweetest string. 

3 Thou heav'n of heav'ns, his vast abode, 
Ye clouds, proclaim your Maker, God ; 

Ye thunders, speak his pow'r. 
Lo ! on the lightning's gleamy wing, 
In triumph rides th' eternal King ; 

Th' astonish' d worlds adore. 

4 Ye deeps, whose roaring billows rise 
To join the thunders of the skies, 

Praise him who bids you roll 



10 PRAISE AND 

His praise in softer notes declare, 
Each whispering breeze of yielding air, 
And breathe it to the soul. 

5 Wake, all ye feather' d throngs, and sing; 
Ye cheerful warblers of the spring, 

Harmonious anthems raise 
To him, who shap'd your finer mould, 
Who tipp'd your glitt'ring wings with gold, 

And tun'd your voice to praise. 

6 Let man, by nobler passions sway'd, 
The feeling heart, the judging head, 

In heav illy praise employ ; 
Spread the Creator's name around, 
Till heav'n's extended arch rebound 

The gen'ral burst of joy. 

Hymn 14. c. m. 

1 TNDULGENT Father ! how divine, 
JL How bright thy bounties are ! 
Through nature's ample round they shine, 

Thy goodness to declare. 

2 But in the nobler work of grace, 

What sweeter mercy smiles 
In my benign Redeemer's face, 
And ev'ry fear beguiles ! 

3 Such wonders, Lord, while I survey, 

To thee my thanks shall rise, 
When morning ushers in the day, 
Or ev'ning veils the skies. 

4 When glimm'ring life resigns its flame, 

Thy praise shall tune my breath. 
The sweet remembrance of thy name 
Shall gild the shades of death. 

5 But, oh ! how blest my song shall rise, 

When free'd from feeble clay, 



THANKSGIVING. . 11 



And all thy glories meet mine eyes 
In one eternal day. 

6 Not seraphs, who resound thy name 
Through yon ethereal plains, 
Shall glow with a diviner flame, 
Or raise sublimer strains. 



Hymn 15. p. m. 



|^ LORY be to God on high, 



7' 



God, whose glory fills the sky ! 
Lift your voice, ye people all, 
Praise the God, on whom ye call. 

2 God his sovereign sway maintains; 
King o'er all the earth he reigns. 
All to him lift up their eye ; 

He does ev'ry want supply. 

3 Sons of earth, the triumph join, 
Praise him with the host divine. 
Emulate the heav'nly pow'rs; 
Their all -gracious God is ours. 

4 Happy, who his laws obey ! 
Them he rules with mildest sway. 
Pure and holy hearts alone 

He hath chosen for his own. 

5 Him, whose joy is to restore, 
Him let all our hearts adore ; 
Earth and heav'n repeat the cry, 
Glory be to God on high ! 

Hymn 16. l. m. 

1 TTIGH in the heav'ns, eternal God ! 
J-JL Thy goodness in full glory shines. 
Thy truth shall break through ev'ry cloud, 
That veils and darkens thy designs. 



12 PRAISE AND 

2 For ever firm thy justice stands, 

As mountains their foundations keep. 
Wise are the wonders of thy hands ; 
Thy judgments are a mighty deep. 

3 Thy providence is kind and large ; 

Both man and beast thy bounty shar& • y~ jl 
The whole creation is thy charge ; 
But saints are thy peculiar care. 

4 My God ! how excellent thy grace, 

Whence all our hope and comfort springs ! 
The sons of Adam in distress 
Fly to the shadow of thy wings. 

5 From the provisions of thy house, 

We shall be fed with sweet repast. 
There mercy like a river flows, 
And brings salvation to our taste. 

6 Life, like a fountain rich and free, 

Springs from the presence of the Lord ; 
i' And in his light our souls shall see 
The glories promise! in his word. 

Hymn 17. c. m. 

1 T ONG as I live, I'll bless thy name, 

I i God of eternal love ! 
My work and joy shall be the same, 
In the bright world above. 

2 Great is the Lord, his pow'r unknown, 

And let his praise be great : 
I' 11 sing the honours of thy throne, 
Thy works of grace repeat. 

3 Thy grace shall dwell upon my tongue ; 

And, while my lips rejoice, 
The men that hear my sacred song 
Shall join their cheerful voice. 



THANKSGIVING. 13 

4 Fathers to sons shall teach thy name, 

And children learn thy ways ; 
Ages to come thy truth proclaim, 
And nations sound thy praise. 

5 Thy glorious deeds of ancient date 

Shall through the world be known : 
Thine arm of pow'r, thy heav'nly state, 
With public splendour shown. 

6 The world is manag'd by thy hands, 

Thy saints are rul'd by love ; 
And thine eternal kingdom stands, 
Though rocks and hills remove. 

Hymn 18. p. m. £ v £ 

1 "^L^E works of God ! on him alone, 

JL His footstool earth, high heav'n his throne, 

Be all your praise bestow' d. 
His hand the beauteous fabric made, 
His eye the finish' d work survey' d, 

And saw that all was good. 

2 Ye sons of men ! his praise display, 
Who stamp' d his image on your clay, 

And gave it pow'r to move. 
Where'er ye go, where'er ye dwell, 
From age to age successive tell 

The wonders of his love. 

8 Ye spirits of the just and good ! 
Who, panting for that blest abode, 

To heav'n' s bright mansions soar : 
O let your songs his praise display, 
Till nature's self shall waste away, 

An(J time shall be no more. 

4 Praise him, ye meek and humble train ! 
Who shall those heav'nly joys obtain, 
Prepar'd for souls sincere. 



14 PRAISE AND 

Now praise him till you take your way 
To regions of eternal day, 
To dwell for ever there. 

Hymn 19. p. m. 

1 1%/TY soul, praise the Lord, 
J_tJL Speak good of his name ! 
His mercies record, 

His bounties proclaim. 
To God, their Creator, 

Let all creatures raise 
The song of thanksgiving, 

The chorus of praise ! 

2 Though, hid from man's sight, 

God sits on his throne, 
Yet here by his works 

Their Author is known. 
The world shines a mirror 

Its Maker to show ; 
And heav'n views its image 

Reflected below. 

3 By knowledge supreme, 

By wisdom divine, 
God governs this earth 

With gracious design. 
O'er beast, bird, and insect, 

His providence reigns, 
Whose will first created, 

Whose love still sustains. 

4 And man, his last work, 

With reason endu'd, 
Who, falling through sin, 

By grace is renew' d :— 
To God, his Creator, 

Let man ever raise 
The song of thanksgiving, 

The chorus of praise ! 



THANKSGIVING. 15 



Hymn 20. p. m. fO 

1 r 1 1 hou pow' r supremely whose command we live! 

_I_ The grateful tribute of our praise receive : 
To thy indulgence we -our being owe, 
And all the joys which from that being flow. 

2 Thy skill our elemental clay refln'd; 
And all its various parts in order join'd ; 
With perfect symmetry compos' d the whole, 
And stamp' d thy sacred image on the soul : 

3 A soul, susceptible of endless joy, 

Whose frame nor force, nor time, shall e'er destroy; 
Which shall survive, tho' nature claim our breath, 
And bid defiance to the darts of death. 

4 How shall our hearts their grateful sense reveal, 
When all the energy of words must fail % 

may its influence in our lives appear, 
And ev'ry action prove our thanks sincere. 

Hymn 21. s. m. 

1 IVFY Maker and my King ! 
JJri To thee my all I owe. 
Thy sov' reign bounty is the spring, 

From whence my blessings flow. 

2 Thou ever good and kind ! 

A thousand reasons move, 
A thousand obligations bind 
My heart to grateful love. 

3 The creature of thy hand, 

On thee alone I live. 
My God ! thy benefits demand 

More praise than tongue can give. 

4 O what can I impart, 

When all was thine before ? 



16 PRAISE AND 

Thy love demands a thankful heart : 
The gift, alas ! how poor ! 

5 Shall I withhold thy due ? 

And shall my passions rove ? 
Lord, make me to thy service true, 
And fill me with thy love. 

6 O let thy grace inspire 

My soul with strength divine; 
Let all my pow'rs to thee aspire, 
And all my days be thine. 

Hymn 22. s. m. 

1 f\ BLESS the Lord, my soul ! 
V>J Let all within me join, 

And aid my tongue to bless his name, 
Whose favours are divine. 

2 O bless the Lord, my soul ! 

Nor let his mercies lie 
Forgotten in unthankfulness, 
And without praises die. 

3 ? Tis he forgives thy sins; 

'Tis he relieves thy pain: 
J Tis he that heals thy sicknesses, 
And gives thee strength again. 

4 He crowns thy life with love, 

When rescu'd from the grave ; 
He, that redeem' d our souls from death, 
Hath boundless pow'r to save. 

5 He fills the poor with good ; 

He gives the suff'rers rest. 
The Lord hath justice for the proud, 
And mercy for th' oppress' d. 

6 His wondrous works and ways 

He made by Moses known ; 



THANKSGIVING. 17 

But sent the world his truth and grace 
By his beloved Son. 

Hymn 23. l. m. 

GREAT source of life, our souls confess 
The various riches of thy grace ; 
Crown' d with thy mercy, we rejoice, 
And in thy praise exalt our voice. 

By thee the vault of heav'n was spread ; 
By thee the earth's foundations laid; 
And all the scenes of man's abode 
Proclaim a wise and gracious God. 

Thy quick' ning hand restores our breath, 
When trembling on the verge of death ; 
Gently it wipes away our tears, 
And lengthens life to future years. 

Our lives are sacred to the Lord, 
Kindled by him, by him restor'd ; 
And, while our hours renew their race, 
May sin no more these hours disgrace ! 

So when, at length, by thee we're led 
Through unknown regions of the dead, 
With hope triumphant may we move 
To scenes of nobler life above. 

Hymn 24. l.m. 

IN glad amazement, Lord, I stand, 
Amidst the bounties of thy hand. 
How numberless those bounties are ! 
How rich, how various, and how fair ! 

But, O ! what poor returns I make ! 
What lifeless thanks I pay thee back ! 
Lord ! I confess with humble shame, 
My ofF'rings scarce deserve the name. 



18 PRAISE AND 

3 Fain would my lab' ring heart devise 
To bring some nobler sacrifice. 

It sinks beneath the mighty load : 
What shall I render to my God ? 

4 To him I consecrate my praise, 
And vow the remnant of my days. 
Yet, what, at best, can I pretend, 
Worthy such gifts from such a friend? 

5 In deep abasement, Lord, I see, 
My emptiness and poverty. 
Enrich my soul with grace divine, 
And make me worthier to be thine. 

6 Give me at length an angel's tongue, 
That heav'n may echo with my song. 
The theme, too great for time, shall be 
The joy of long eternity. 

Hymn 25. s. m. 

1 S~\ LORD, our heav'nly King ! 

V_>r Thy name is all divine. 
Thy glories round the earth are spread, 
And o'er the heav'ns they shine. 

2 When to thy works above 

I raise my wond'ring eyes, 
And see the moon thy hands have formed 
In all her splendour rise : 

3 When I survey the stars, 

That fill the vaulted sky : — 
Lord, what is man, that he should stand 
In thy regard »so' high % 

4 Or what the son of man, 

That he should be thy care, 
And in the bounties of thy grace 
Possess so large a share ? 



THANKSGIVING. 19 

5 Though offspring of the dust, 

(How vast the debt we owe !) 
Next to thine angels are we plac'd, 
And lords of all below. 

6 Appointed for our use, 

The subject beasts obey, 
And birds that cut the air with wings, 
And fish that cleave the sea. 

7 How rich thy favours are ! 

How wondrous are thy ways ! 
Of dust and worms thy pow'r can frame, 
A monument of praise. 

Hymn 26. c. m. 

1 \ LMIGHTY Father ! Gracious Lord ! 
.jLV. Kind Guardian of my days ! 

Thy mercies let my heart record 
In songs of grateful praise. 

2 In life's first dawn, my tender frame 

Was thy indulgent care, 
Long ere I could pronounce thy name, 
Or breathe the infant pray'r. 

> When reason with my stature grew, 
How weak her brightest ray ! 
How little of my God I knew ! 
How apt from thee to stray ! 

[ Around my path what dangers rose ! 
What snares o'erspread my road ! 
* No pow'r could guard me from my foes, 
But my Preserver, God. 

5 When life hung trembling on a breath, 
'Twas thy unceasing love 
That sav'd me from impending death, 
And bade my fears remove. 
3 



20 PRAISE AND 

6 Lord, though this mortal frame decays, 

And earthly comfort flies ; 
Complete the. wonders of thy grace, 
And raise me to the skies. 

7 Then shall my joyful pow'rs unite 

In more exalted lays, 
And join the happy sons of light 
In everlasting praise. 

Hymn 27. c, m. 

1 TV/TY God, what blessings round me shone, 
J_tjL Where'er I turn'd mine eye! 

How many pass'd, almost unknown, 
Or unregarded, by ! 

2 Each rolling year new favours brought 

From thine exhaustless store. 
But, ah! in vain my lab' ring thought 
Would count thy mercies o'er: 

3 While sweet reflection, through my days, 

Thy bounteous hand would trace; 
Still dearer blessings claim my praise, 
The blessings of thy grace. 

4 Yes, I adore thee, gracious Lord! 

For favours more divine; 
That I have known thy sacred word, 
Where all thy glories shine. 

5 My highest praise, alas, how poor ! 

How cold my warmest love ! 
Mv Father ! teach me to adore 
As angels do above. 



w 



Hymn 28. c. m. 

HEN all thy mercies, my God ! 
My rising soul surveys : 



THANKSGIVING. 21 

Transported with the view, I'm lost 
In wonder, love, and praise. 

2 O how shall words with equal warmth 

The gratitude declare, 
That glows within my ravish' d heart ! 
But thou canst read it there. 

3 Thy providence my life sustain' d, 

And all my wants redress' d, 
When in the silent womb I lay 
Or hung upon the breast. 

4 To all my weak complaints and cries 

Thy mercy lent an ear, 
Ere yet my feeble thoughts had learnt 
To form themselves in pray'r. 

5 Unnumber'd comforts on my soul 

Thy tender care bestow' d, 
Before my infant heart conceiv'd 
From whom those comforts flow'd. 

6 When in the slipp'ry paths of youth, 

With heedless steps, I ran ; 
Thine arm, unseen, convey' d me safe, 
And led me up to man. 

7 Through hidden dangers, toils, and deaths, 
- It gently clear' d my way; 

And through the pleasing snares of vice, 
More to be fear'd than they. 

8 When worn with sickness, oft hast thou 

With health renew' d my face; 
And, when in sins and sorrows sunk, 
Reviv'd my soul with grace. 

9 Thy bounteous hand with worldly bliss 

Hath made my cup run o'er, 
And in a kind and faithful friend, 
Hath doubled all my store. 



22 CHARACTER AND 

10 Ten thousand thousand precious gifts 

My daily thanks employ ; 
Nor is the least a cheerful heart 
Which tastes those gifts with joy. 

1 1 Through ev'ry period of my life 

Thy goodness I'll pursue; 
And, after death, in distant worlds, 
The glorious theme renew. 

12 When nature fails, and day and night 

Divide thy works no more ; 
My ever grateful heart, O Lord ! 
Thy mercy shall adore. 

13 Through all eternity to thee 

A joyful song I'll raise :— 
But, oh ! eternity's too short 
To utter all thy praise. 



II. 

CHARACTER AND PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 



Hymn 29- l. m. 

God incomprehensible. 

1 /^ RE AT God, in vain man's narrow view 
VX" Attempts to look thy nature through. 
Our lab 7 ring pow'rs with rev'rence own, 
Thy glories never can be known. 

2 Not the high seraph's mighty thought, 
Who countless years his God has sought, 



PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 23 

Such wondrous height or depth can find, 
Or fully trace thy boundless mind. 

3 Yet, Lord, thy kindness deigns to show 
Enough for mortal men to know ; 
While wisdom, goodness, pow'r divine 
Through all thy works and conduct shine. 

4 O ! may our souls with rapture trace 
Thy works of nature and of grace, 
Explore thy sacred truth, and still 
Press on to know and do thy will ! 

Hymn 30. l. m. 

The Majesty of God. 

1 ""V/^E weak inhabitants of clay, 

A Ye trifling insects of a day, 
Low in your native dust bow down 
Before th' Eternal's awful throne. 

2 Let Lebanon her cedars /bring, 

To blaze before the sov' reign King; 
And all the beasts, that on it feed, 
As victims at his altar bleed. 

3 Loud let ten thousand trumpets sound, 
And call remotest nations round, 
Assembled on the crowded plains, 
Princes and people, kings and swains. 

4 Join'd with the living, let the dead, 
Rising, the face of earth o'erspread; 
And, while his praise unites their tongues^ 
Let angels echo back the songs. 

5 The drop that from the bucket falls, 
The dust that hangs upon the scales, 
Is more to sky and earth and sea, 
Than all this pomp, great God ! to thee, 

3* 



24 character and 

Hymn 31. l. m. 

1 "X/^E sons of men, in sacred lays, 

JL Attempt the great Creator's praise : 
But who an equal song can frame ? 
"What verse can reach the lofty theme % 

2 He sits enthron'd amidst the spheres, 
And glory like a garment wears : 

While boundless wisdom, pow'r, and grace, 
Command our awe, transcend our praise. 

3 Before his throne a shining band 
Of cherubs and of seraphs stand ; 
Ethereal spirits, who in flight 
Outstrip the rapid speed of light. 

4 To God all nature owes its birth, 

He form'd this pond'rous globe of earth. 
He rais'd the glorious arch on high, 
And measur'd out the azure sky. 

5 In all our Maker's grand designs, 
Omnipotence with wisdom shines. 

His works, through all this wondrous frame, 
Bear the great impress of his name. 

6 Rais'd on devotion's lofty wing, 
Let us his high perfections sing : 

O let his praise employ our tongue, 
Whilst list'ning worlds applaud the song ! 

Hymn 32. c. m. 

God eternal and unchangeable. 

1 f\ REAT God, how infinite art thou ! 
\JT How frail and weak are we ! 

Let the whole race of creatures bow, 
And pay their praise to thee. 

2 Thy throne eternal ages stood, 

Ere earth or heav'n was made; 



PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 25 

Thou art the ever-living God, 
Were all the nations dead. 

3 Nature and time all open lie 

To thine immense survey, 
From the formation of the sky, 
To the last awful day. 

4 Eternity, with all its years, 

Stands present to thy view. 
To thee there's nothing old appears; 
Great God ! there's nothing new. 

5 Our lives through various scenes are drawn, 

And vex'd with trifling cares: 
While thine eternal thought moves on 
Thine undisturb ; d affairs. 

6 Great God, how infinite art thou ! 

How frail and weak are we ! 
Let the whole race of creatures bow, 
And pay their praise to thee. 



Hymn 33. l. m. 

1 \ LL-POW'RFUL, self-existent God, 
-ljL Who all creation dost sustain ! 
Thou wast, and art, and art to come ; 

And everlasting is thy reign. 

2 Fix'd and eternal as thy days, 

Each glorious attribute divine, 
Through ages infinite, shall still 
With undiminish'd lustre shine. 

3 Fountain of being! source of good! 

Immutable dost thou remain; 
Nor can the shadow of a change 
Obscure the glories of thy reign. 



26 CHARACTER AND 

4 Nature her order shall reverse, 

Revolving seasons cease their round; 

Nor spring appear with blooming pride, 

Nor autumn be with plenty crown' d: 

5 Yon shining orbs forget their course; 

The sun his destin'd path forsake; 
And burning desolation mark 

Amid the world his wand' ring track: 

6 Earth may with all her pow'rs dissolve, 

If such the great Creator's will : 
But thou for ever art the same. 
"I am" is thy memorial still. 

Hymn 34. l. m. 

God almighty. 

1 /^1 IVE to the Lord, ye sons of fame, 
V3T Give to the Lord renown and pow'r; 
Ascribe due honours to his name, 

And his eternal might adore. 

2 The Lord proclaims his pow'r aloud, 

O'er the vast ocean and the land; 
His voice divides the wat'ry cloud, 
And lightnings blaze at his command. 

3 He speaks, and howling tempests rise, 

And lay the forest bare around; 
The fiercest beasts, with piteous cries, 
Confess the terror of the sound. 

4 His thunders rend the vaulted skies, 

And palaces and temples shake. 
The mountains tremble at the noise, 
The valleys roar, the deserts quake. 

5 The Lord sits sov' reign o'er the flood; 

The Thund'rer reigns for ever King; 



PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 27 

But makes his church his blest abode, 
Where we his awful glories sing. 

6 We see no terrors in his name, 
But in our God a Father find. 
The voice, that shakes all nature's frame, 
Speaks comfort to the pious mind. 

Hymn 35. c. m. 

1 \ LMIGHTY God, thy pow'rful word 
jljL From nothing all things brought ; 
Earth, seas, and skies, by thee their Lord, 

With skill divine were wrought. 

2 Thy pleasure heav'nly hosts fulfil; 

For thee each planet rolls ; 
Earth, sun, and stars perform thy will ; 
Thy nod the world controls. 

3 Thou over all art Lord supreme j 

All else from thee derive. 
No being can dispute thy claim, 
Or independent live. 

4 To thee, our Lord, we therefore bow ; 

To thee, our all resign. 
Entire to thee ourselves we vow, 
For we are wholly thine. 



i >np 



Hymn 36. c. m. 

WAS God who hurl'd the rolling spheres, 
And stretch' d the boundless skies; 
Who formed the plan of endless years, 
And bade the ages rise. 

From everlasting is his might, 

Immense and unconfin'd : 
He pierces through the realms of light, 

And rides upon the wind. 



28 CHARACTER AND 

3 He darts along the burning skies ; 

Loud thunders round him roar : 
All heav'n attends him, as he flies j 
All hell proclaims his pow'r. 

4 He scatters nations with his breath; 

The scatter' d nations fly : 
Blue pestilence and wasting death 
Confess the Godhead nigh. 

5 Ye worlds, with ev'ry living thing, 

Fulfil his high command : 
Mortals, pay homage to your King, 
And own his ruling hand. 

Hymn 37. l. m. 

God omnipresent and omniscient. 

1 " ORD, thou hast search' d and seen me through ; 

I J Thine eye commands with piercing view, 
My rising and my resting hours, 
My heart and flesh, with all their pow'rs. 

2 Could I so false, so faithless prove, 
To quit thy service and thy love ; 
Where, Lord, could I thy presence shun, 
Or from thy dreadful glory run? 

3 I£ mounted on a morning ray, 
I fly beyond the western sea ; 

Thy swifter hand would first arrive, 
And there arrest thy fugitive. 

4 Or should I try to shun thy sight 
Beneath the spreading veil of night : 
One glance of thine, one piercing ray 
Would kindle darkness into day. 

5 The veil of night is no disguise, 

No screen from thine all-searching eyes. 



PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 29 

Thy hand can seize thy foes as soon 
Through midnight shades, as blazing noon, 

6 O may these thoughts possess my breast, 
Where'er I rove, where'er I rest! 
Nor let my weaker passions dare 
Consent to sin, for God is there. 

Hymn 38. c. m. 

1 X ORD, all I am is known to thee ! 
. I k In vain my soul would try 

To shun thy presence, or to flee 
The notice of thine eye. 

2 Thy all-surrounding sight surveys 

My rising and my rest, 
My public walks, my private ways, 
And secrets of my breast. 

3 My thoughts lie open to thee, Lord, 

Before they're form'd within; 
And ere my lips pronounce the word, 
Thou know'st the sense I mean. 

4 O wondrous knowledge, deep and high ! 

Where can a creature hide ? 
Within thy circling arms I lie, 
Beset on ev'ry side. 

5 So let thy grace surround me still, 

And like a bulwark prove, 
To guard my soul from ev'ry ill, 
Secur'd by so v' reign love. 

Hymn 39. s. m. 

1 ~]V/I~Y heart and ways, O God ! 
-L*JL By thee are search' d and seen; 
My outward acts thine eye observes, 
My secret thoughts within. 



30 CHARACTER AND 

2 No spot the realms of space. 

Whence thou art absent, know. 
In heav'n thou reign' st a glorious King, 
A righteous Judge below. 

3 Lord! if within my heart 

Thou aught should'st disapprove: 
The secret evil bring to light, 
And by thy grace remove. 

4 If e'er I've been pre verse 

Or foolish in thy view : 
Recall my steps to thy commands, 
And form my life anew. 

Hymn 40. c. m. 

1 nn O thee, my God ! my days are known ; 

JL My soul enjoys the thought. 
My actions all before thee lie, 
Nor are my wants forgot. 

2 Each secret wish devotion breathes, 

Is vocal to thine ear; 
And all my walks of daily life 
Before thine .eye appear. 

3 The vacant hour, the active scene, 

Thy mercy shall approve; 
And ev'ry pang of sympathy, 
And ev'ry care of love. 

4 Each golden hour of beaming light 

Is gilded by thy rays; 
And dark affliction's midnight gloom 
A present God surveys. 

5 Full in thy view through life I pass, 

And in thy view I die. 
Lord ! when all mortal bonds shall break, 
May I still find thee nigh. 



PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 31 

Hymn 41. c. m. 

God's Wisdom. 

1 CI ONGS of immortal praise belong 
£3 To my almighty God : 

He hath my heart, and he my tongue, 
To spread his name abroad. 

2 How great the works his hand hath wrought! 

How glorious in our sight ! 
And men in ev'ry age have sought 
His wonders with delight. 

3 How most exact is nature's frame ! 

How wise th' eternal mind ! 
His counsels never change the scheme, 
That his first thoughts design' d. 

4 When he redeem' d the sons of men, 

He fix'd his cov'nant sure: 
The orders, that his lips pronounce, 
To endless years endure. 

5 Nature, and time, and earth, and skies, 

Thy heav'nly skill proclaim. 
What shall we do to make us wise, 
But learn to read thy name? 

6 To fear thy pow'r, to trust thy grace, 

Is our divinest skill ; 
And he's the wisest of our race, 
Who best obeys thy will. 

Hymn 42. c. m. 

1 X^7"HEN I with curious eyes survey 
▼ T My complicated frame, 
I read on ev'ry part inscrib'd 
My great Creator's name. 
4 



32 CHARACTER AND 

2 With nicest art, in secret, God 

Did ev'ry member write; 
And, when the model was complete, 
My eyes beheld the light. 

3 He *bade the purple flood of life 

In circling streams to flow; 
And sent the genial heat around 
Through ev'ry part to glow. 

4 Why was my body form'd erect, 

Whilst brutes bow down to earth? 
But that my soul should learn to know, 
And claim its .nobler birth. 

5 Author of life ! my tongue shall sing 

The wonders of my frame. 
Long as I breathe, and think and speak, 
I'll praise thy glorious name. 

Hymn 43. c. m. 

God holy and just. 

1 TXOLY and rev' rend is the name 
JLA Of our eternal King. 

Thrice holy, Lord ! the angels cry : — 
Thrice holy, let us sing. 

2 Holy is he in all his works, 

And saints are his delight; 
But sinners and their wicked ways 
Are hateful in his sight. 

3 The deepest rev'rence, homage, love, 

Pay, O my soul, to God; 
Lift with thy hands a holy heart 
To his sublime abode. 

4 Thou, righteous God ! preserve my mind 

From all pollution free; 



PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 33 

Thine image form within my breast, 
That I thy face may see. 

Hymn 44. c. m. 

1 ^1 OD is a spirit, just and wise; 
V3T He sees our inmost mind. 

In vain to heav'n we raise our cries, 
And leave our souls behind. 

2 Nothing but truth before his throne 

With honour can appear. 
The painted hypocrites are known 
Through the disguise they wear. 

3 Their lifted eyes salute the skies, 

Their bended knees the ground : 
But God abhors the sacrifice, 
Where not the heart is found. 

4 Lord ! search my thoughts, and try my ways, 

And make my soul sincere : 
Then shall I stand before thy face. 
And find acceptance there, 

Hymn 45. l. m. 

1 X> RAISE ye the Lord! 'tis good to raise 
jL Our hearts and voices in his praise : 
His nature and his works invite 

To make this duty our delight. 

2 He loves the meek, rewards the just, 
Humbles the wicked in the dust, 
Melts and subdues the stubborn soul, 
And makes the broken spirit whole. 

3 His saints are precious in his sight: 
He views his children with delight ; 

He sees their hope, he knows their fear 
Approves and loves his image there. 



34 CHARACTER AND 

Hymn 46. c. m. 

1 TX7~1TH eye impartial, heav'n's high King 

▼ ▼ Surveys each human tribe ; 
No earthly pomp his eyes can charm, 
Nor wealth his favour bribe. 

2 The rich and poor, of equal clay, 

His pow'rful hand did frame; 

All souls are his, and him alike 

Their common Parent claim. 

3 Ye sons of men of high degree, 

Your great Superior own ; 
Praise him for all his gifts, and pay 
Your homage at his throne. 

4 Trust in the Lord, ye humble poor, 

And banish ev'ry fear ; 
The God you serve will ne'er forsake 
The man of heart sincere. 



Hymn 47. l. m. 

1 "V~^7~HAT eyes like thine, eternal Sire, 

? v Through sin's obscurest depths inquire? 
What judge, like thee, on virtue's foes 
The needful vengeance can impose ? 

2 The meek observer of thy laws 
To thee commits his injur' d cause : 
In thee, each anxious fear resign' d, 
The fatherless a father find. 

3 Thine is the throne ; beneath thy reign, 
Immortal King, the tribes profane 
Behold their dreams of conquest o'er, 
And vanish to be seen no more. 

4 'Tis thine the orphan's cheek to dry, 
The guiltless suff'rer's cause to try, 



PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 35 

To rein each earth-born tyrant's will, 
And bid the sons of pride be still. 

Hymn 48. l. m. 

1 f 1 1 HOU suit' st, O Lord, thy righteous ways 

JL To various paths of human kind : 
They, who for mercy merit praise, 
With thee shall wondrous mercy find. 

2 Such, as preversely choose to go, 

Shall meet with due returns from thee : 
Thou to the just wilt justice show ; 
The pure thy purity shall see ; 

3 For seeds are sown of glorious light, 

A future harvest for the just ; 
And gladness for the heart that's right, 
To recompense its pious trust. 

4 Rejoice, ye righteous, in the Lord; 

Memorials of his holiness 
Deep in your faithful breasts record, 

And with your thankful tongues confess. 

Hymn 49. l. m, 

1 r 1 1 HE heart, dejected, sighs to know, 

JL Why vice triumphant reigns below ; 
Why saints have fall'n in ev'ry age, 
The victims of tyrannic rage. 

2 Fast roll successive years away; 
Fast hastens on th' important day, 
When, to th' astonish' d world's surprise, 
God's high tribunal shall arise. 

3 Hark, 'tis the trumpet's piercing sound; 
The rising dead assemble round; 

In close procession, see, they come, 

Each to receive his final doom, 

4* 



36 CHARACTER AND 

4 Lo ! there, a vile, degen'rate race 
Pale terror sits on ev'ry face : 
Here, on the right, a joyful band, 
The sons of sufFring virtue stand. 

5 The sentence pass'd, lo ! these arise 
To bliss and glory in the skies : 

While those, who once stood high in fame 
Sink to contempt, remorse, and shame. 

5 Thus shall God's government appear 
Without a shade, divinely fair; 
And blushing doubts, with joy confess, 
The Lord's a God of righteousness. 

Hymn 50. p. m. 

God faithful. 

1 FT! HE promises I sing, 

JL Which love supreme hath spoke 
Nor will th' eternal King 

His words of grace revoke. 

They stand secure 
And stedfast still : 
Not Sion's hill 
Abides so sure. 

2 The mountains melt away, 

When once the Judge appears : 
And sun and moon decay, 
That measure mortal years : 
But still the same, 
In radiant lines, 
His promise shines 
Through all the flame. 

3 Their harmony shall sound 

Through my attentive ears, 
When thunders cleave the ground, 
And dissipate the spheres. 



PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 37 

Midst all the shock 
Of that dread scene, 
I'll stand serene, 

Thy word my rock. 



Hymn 51. c. m. 



God benevolent and merciful. 

1 f 1 1 HY ceaseless, unexhausted love, 

JL Unmerited and free, 
Delights our evil to remove, 
And help our misery. 

2 Thou waitest to be gracious still; 

Thou dost with sinners bear: 
That, sav'd, we may thy goodness feel, 
And all thy grace declare. 

3 Thy goodness and thy truth, to me, 

To ev'ry soul abound; 
A vast, unfathomable sea, 

Where all our thoughts are drown' d. 

4 Its streams the whole creation reach, 

So plenteous is the store ; 
Enough for all, enough for each, 
Enough for evermore. 

5 Faithful, O Lord, thy mercies are; 

A rock, which cannot move : 
A thousand promises declare 
Thy constancy of love. 

6 Throughout the universe it reigns, 

Unalterably sure; 
And, while the truth of God remains, 
His goodness must endure. 



38 CHARACTER AND 

Hymn 52. p. m. ££ sP 

1 TVTY God, thy boundless love I praise; 
-LTJL How bright on high its glories blaze ! 

How sweetly bloom below ! 
It streams from thy eternal throne ; 
Through heav'n its joys for ever run, 

And o'er the earth they flow. 

2 'Tis love that paints the purple morn, 
And bids the clouds, in air upborne, 

Their genial drops distil ; 
In ev'ry vernal beam ft glows, 
And breathes in ev'ry gale that blows, 

And glides in ev'ry rill. 

3 It robes in cheerful green the ground, 
And pours its flow'ry beauties round, 

Whose sweets perfume the gale; 
Its bounties richly spread the plain, 
The blushing fruit, the golden grain, 

And smile on ev'ry vale. 

4 But in thy gospel see it shine 
With grace and glories more divine, 

Proclaiming sins forgiv'n. 
There faith, bright cherub, points the way 
To realms of everlasting day, 

And opens all her heav'n. 

5 Then let the love, that makes me blest, 
With cheerful praise inspire my breast, 

And ardent gratitude; 
And all my thoughts and passions tend 
To thee, my Father and my Friend, 

My soul's eternal good. 



•t 



Hymn 53. l. m. 

RIUMPHANT, Lord ! thy goodness reigns 
Through all the wide celestial plains; 



PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 39 

And its full streams redundant flow 
Down to th' abodes of men below. 

2 Through nature's works thy glories shine ; 
The cares of providence are thine; 

And thou hast rais'd within our frame 
A fairer temple to thy name. 

3 O give to ev'ry human heart, 

To taste and feel, how good thou art; 
With grateful love, and rev' rend fear, 
To know how blest thy children are. 

4 Let nature burst into a song : l- . 
Ye echoing hills, the notes prolong ! 
Earth, seas, and stars, your anthems raise, 
All vocal with your Maker's praise! 

5 Join, O my soul! the gen'ral song; 
To thee its sweetest notes belong. 
Blest above all by love divine, 

To praise is eminently thine. 

Hymn 54. c. m. 

1 CJWEET is the mem'ry of thy grace, 
O O God, my heav'nly King ! 

Let age to age thy righteousness 
In sounds of glory sing. 

2 God reigns on high, but not confines 

His goodness to the skies. 
Through the whole earth his bounty shines, 
And ev'ry want supplies. 

3 With longing eyes, thy creatures wait 

On thee for daily food; 
Thy lib'ral hand provides their meat, 
And fills their mouths with good. 

4 How kind are thy compassions, Lord ! 

How slow thine anger moves ! 



40 CHARACTER AND 

But soon he sends his pard'ning word, 
To cheer the souls he loves. 

5 Creatures, with all their endless race, 
Thy pow'r and praise proclaim; 
But saints, who taste thy richer grace, 
Delight to bless thy name. 

Hymn 55. c. m. 

1 /^UR souls with pleasing wonder view 
V>J The bounties of thy grace; 

How much bestow' d, how much reserv'd, 
For those that seek thy face. 

2 Thy lib'ral hand with worldly bliss 

Oft makes their cup run o'er; 
And in the cov'nant of thy love 
They find diviner store. 

3 Here mercy hides their num'rous sins; 

Here grace their souls renews ; 
Here hope, and love, and joy, and peace 
Their heav'nly beams diffuse. 

4 But, oh ! what treasures yet unknown 

Are lodg'd in worlds to come! 
If these th' enjoyments of the way, 
How happy is their home ! 

5 And what shall mortal worms reply ? 

Or how such goodness own? 
But 'tis our joy, that, Lord, to thee 
Thy servants' hearts are known. 

6 Since time's too short, all-gracious God, 

To utter half thy praise ; 
Loud, to the honour of thy name, 
Eternal hymns we'll raise. 



■M 



PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 41 

Hymn 56. s. m. 

Y soul, repeat his praise, 



Whose mercies are so great; 
Whose anger is so slow to rise, 
So ready to abate. 

2 God will not always chide; 

And, when his wrath is felt, 
His strokes are fewer than our crimes, 
And lighter than our guilt. 

3 High as the heav'ns are rais'd 

Above the ground we tread, 
So far the riches of his grace 
Our highest thoughts exceed. 

4 His grace subdues our sins; 

And his forgiving love, 
Far as the east is from the west, 
Doth all our guilt remove. 

5 The pity of the Lord 

To those who fear his name, 
Is such as tender parents feel; 
He knows our feeble frame. 

6 Our days are as the grass, 

Or like the morning flower ! 
If one sharp blast sweep o'er the field, 
It withers in an hour. 

7 But thy compassions, Lord, 

To endless years endure ; 
And children's children ever find 
Thy words of promise sure. 

Hymn 57. c. m. 

OTHOU, the wretched' s sure retreat, 
Who dost our cares control, 
And, with the cheerful smile of peace, 
Revive the fainting soul ! 



42 CHARACTER AND 

2 Did ever thy propitious ear 

The humble plea disdain? 
Or when did plaintive mis'ry sigh, 
Or supplicate in vain? 

3 Opprest with grief and shame, dissolv'd 

In penitential tears, 
Thy goodness calms our anxious doubts, 
And dissipates our fears. 

4 New life from thy refreshing grace 

Our sinking hearts receive ; 
Thy gentlest, best-lov'd attribute, 
To pity and forgive. 

5 From that blest source, propitious hope 

Appears serenely bright, 
And sheds her soft and cheering beam 
O'er sorrow's dismal night. 

6 Our hearts adore thy mercy, Lord, 

And bless the friendly ray, 
Which ushers in the smiling morn 
Of everlasting day. 

Hymn 58. l. m. 

1 TP to the Lord, who reigns on high, 
vj And views the nations from afar, 

Let everlasting praises fly, 

And tell how large his bounties are. 

2 He overrules all mortal things, 

And manages our mean affairs; 
On humble souls the King of kings 
Bestows his counsels and his cares. 

3 Our sorrows and our tears we pour 

Into the bosom of our God; 
He hears us in the mournful hour, 
And helps to bear the heavy load. 



PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 43 

In vain might lofty princes try 

Such condescension to perform ; 
For worms were never rais'd so high 

Above their meanest fellow-worm. 
O could our thankful hearts devise 

A tribute equal to thy grace ; 
To the third heav'n our songs should rise, 

And teach the golden harps thy praise. 



L 



Hymn 59. c. m. 

ET ev'ry tongue thy goodness speak, 
Thou so v' reign Lord of all : 
Thy strength' ning hands uphold the weak, 
And raise the poor that fall. 

2 When sorrow bows the spirit down, 

Or virtue lies distress' d 
Beneath some proud oppressor's frown, 
Thou giv'st the mourner rest. 

3 Thou know' st the pain thy servants feel ; 

Thou hear'st thy children cry; 
And, their best wishes to fulfil, 
Thy grace is ever nigh. 

4 Thy mercy never shall remove 

From men of heart sincere ; 
Thou sav'st the souls, whose humble love 
Is join'd with holy fear. 

5 My lips shall dwell upon thy praise, 

And spread thy fame abroad. 
Let all the sons of Adam raise 
The honours of their God. 

Hymn 60. s. m. 

1 /^ RACE, 'tis a charming sound ! 
VJT Harmonious to the ear ! 
Heav'n with the echo shall resound, 
And all the earth shall hear. 
5 



44 WORKS OF GOD 

2 Grace first contriv'd a way 

To save rebellious man ; 
And all the steps that grace display, 
Which drew the wondrous plan. 

3 Grace leads my roving feet 

To tread the heav'nly road ; 
And new supplies each hour I meet, 
While pressing on to God. 

4 Grace all the work shall crown, 

Through everlasting days ; 
It lays in Heav'n the topmost stone, 
And well deserves the praise. 



III. 

WORKS OF GOD IN NATURE. 



Hymn 61. l. m. 

THE spacious firmament on high, 
With all the blue ethereal sky, 
And spangled heavns, a shining frame, 
Their great original proclaim. 

Th' unwearied sun, from day to day, 
Does his Creator's pow'r display, 
And publishes to ev'ry land 
The work of an almighty hand, 

Soon as the evening shades prevail, 
The moon takes up the wondrous tale, 
And nightly to the list'ning earth 
Repeats the story of her birth : 



IN NATURE. 45 

4 Whilst all the stars that round her burn, 
And all the planets in their turn, 
Confirm the tidings, as they roll, 

And spread the truth from pole to pole. 

5 What though in solemn silence all 
Move round the dark terrestrial ball? 
What though nor real voice nor sound 
Amidst their radiant orbs be found ? 

6 In reason's ear they all rejoice, 
And utter forth a glorious voice, 
For ever singing, as they shine — 
The hand that made us is divine. 

Hymn 62. l. m. 

1 r ■ 1 HERE is a God, all nature speaks, 

JL Through earth, and air, and seas, and skies. 
See, from the clouds his glory breaks, 
When the first beams of morning rise. 

2 The rising sun, serenely bright, 

O'er the wide world's extended frame, 
Inscribes in characters of light 

His mighty Maker's glorious name. 

3 Diffusing life, his influence spreads, 

And health and plenty smile around ; 
And fruitful fields, and verdant meads, 
Are with a thousand blessings crown' d. 

4 Almighty Goodness, Power divine, 

The fields and verdant meads display ; 
And bless the hand which made them shine 
With various charms profusely gay. 

5 For man and beast, here daily food 

In wide diffusive plenty grows ; 
And there for drink, the crystal flood 
In streams sweet winding gently flows. 



46 WORKS OF GOD 

6 By cooling streams and softning show'rs, 
The vegetable race are fed ; 
And trees, and plants, and herbs, and flow'rs, 
Their Maker's bounty smiling spread. 

Hymn 63. c. m. 

1 TTAIL, Great Creator, wise and good ! 
JLJL To thee our son^s we raise. 
Nature, through all her various scenes, 

Invites us to thy praise. 

2 At morning, noon, and ev'ning mild, 

Fresh wonders strike our view ; 
And while we gaze, our hearts exult, 
With transports ever new. 

3 Thy glory beams in ev'ry star, 

Which gilds the gloom of night ; 
And decks the smiling face of morn 
With rays of cheerful light. 

4 The lofty hill, the humble lawn, 

With countless beauties shine ; 
The silent grove, the awful shade, 
Proclaim thy pow'r divine. 

5 Great nature's God ! still may these scenes 

Our serious hours engage ! 
Still may our grateful hearts consult 
Thy works' instructive page ! 

6 And while in all thy wondrous works, 

Thy varied love we see; 
Still may the contemplation lead 
Our hearts, O God, to thee ! 



w 



Hymn 64. c. m. 

E sing th' almighty pow'r of God, 
Who bade the mountains rise, 



IN NATURE. 47 

Who spread the flowing seas abroad, 
And built the lofty skies. 

2 We sing the wisdom that ordain' d 

The sun to rule the day ; 
The moon shines full at his command, 
And all the stars obey. 

3 We sing the goodness of the Lord, 

Who fills the earth with food ; 
Who form'd his creatures by a word, 
And then pronounc'd them good. 

4 Lord, how thy wonders are display' d, 

Where'er we turn our eyes; 
Whether we view the ground we tread, 
Or gaze upon the skies ! 

5 There's not a plant nor flow'r below, 

But makes thy glories known : 
And clouds arise, and tempests blow, 
By order from thy throne. 

6 Creation, vast as it may be, 

Is subject to thy will. 
There's not a place, where we can flee, 
But God is with us still. 

7 On him each moment we depend ; 

If he withdraw, we die. 
Oh, may we ne'er that God offend, 
Who is for ever nigh ! 



Hymn 65. l. m. 

1 | ET the high heav'ns your songs invite; 
-Li Those spacious fields of brilliant light 
Where sun, and moon, and planets roll. 
And stars that glow from pole to pole. 

5* 



48 WORKS OF GOD 

2 Sing earth in verdant robes array' d, 

Its herbs and flow'rs, its fruits and shade; 

Peopled with life of various forms, 

Of fish, and fowl, and beasts, and worms. 

3 View the broad sea's majestic plains, 
And think how wide its Maker reigns. 
That band remotest nations joins ; 
And on each wave his 1 goodness shines. 

4 But, O ! that brighter world above, 
Where lives and reigns incarnate love ! 
God's only son, in flesh array' d, 

For man a bleeding victim made ! 

5 Thither, my soul, with rapture soar ; 
There in the land of praise adore ! 
The theme demands an angel's lay, 
Demands an everlasting day. 

Hymn 66. l. m. 

1 TT1 TERNAL source of ev'ry joy ! 
J_J Well may thy praise our lips employ, 
While in thy temple we appear, 

Whose goodness crowns the circling year. 

2 The flow'ry spring, at thy command, 
Perfumes the air, and paints the land ; 
The summer-rays with vigour shine, 
To raise the corn and cheer the vine. 

3 Thy hand, in autumn, richly pours, 
Through all our coasts redundant stores ; 
And winters, soften' d by thy care, 

No more a face of horror wear. 

4 Seasons, and months, and weeks, and days, 
Demand successive songs of praise. 

Still be the eheerful homage paid, 
With morning light, and ev'ning shade. 



IN NATURE. 49 

5 Here in thy house let incense rise, 
And circling sabbaths bless our eyes ; 
Till to those lofty heights we soar, 
Where days and years revolve no more. 

Hymn 67. c. m. 

1 ~¥X7~ITH songs and honours sounding loud, 

▼ ? Address the Lord on high : 
Over the heav'ns he spreads his cloud, 
And waters veil the sky. 

2 He sends his show'rs of blessings down, 

To cheer the plains below ; 
He makes the grass the mountains crown, 
And corn in valleys grow. 

3 He gives the grazing ox his meat ; 

He hears the ravens cry : 
But man, who tastes his finest wheat, 
Should raise his honours high. 

4 His steady counsels change the face 

Of the declining year; 
He bids the sun cut short his race, 
And wintry days appear. 

5 His hoary frost, his fleecy snow, 

Descend and clothe the ground; 
The liquid streams forbear to flow, 
In icy fetters bound. 

6 He sends his word, and melts the snow, 

The fields no longer mourn. 
He calls the warmer gales to blow, 
And bids the spring return. 

7 The changing wind, the flying cloud, 

Obey his mighty word. 
With songs and honours sounding loud, 
Praise ye the sov' reign Lord. 



50 WORKS OF GOD 

Hymn 68. a m. 

1 TX7"HILE beauty clothes the fertile vale, 

T ? And blossoms on the spray, 
And fragrance breathes in ev'ry gale, 
How sweet the vernal day ! 

2 How kind the influence of the skies ! 

Soft show'rs, with blessings fraught, 
Bid verdure, beauty, fragrance rise, 
And fix the roving thought. 

3 O let my wond'ring heart confess, 

With gratitude and love, 
The bounteous hand that deigns to bless 
The garden, field, and grove. 

4 That bounteous hand my thoughts adore, 

Beyond expression kind, 
Hath sweeter, nobler gifts in store, 
To bless the craving mind. 

5 Inspir'd to praise, I then shall join 

Glad nature's cheerful song; 
And love and gratitude divine 
Attune my joyful tongue. 

Hymn 69. l. m. 

1 r ■ 1 HE rising morn, the closing day, 

JL Repeat thy praise with grateful voice ; 
Both in their turns thy pow'r display,* 
And laden with thy gifts, rejoice. 

2 Earth's wide-extended, varying scenes, 

All smiling round, thy bounty show. 
From seas or clouds, full magazines, 
Thy rich diffusive blessings flow. 

3 Now earth receives the precious seed, 

Which thy indulgent hand prepares ; 



IN NATURE. 51 

And nourishes the future bread, 
And answers all the sower's cares. 

4 Thy sweet refreshing show'rs attend 

And through the ridges gently flow, 
Soft on the springing corn descend ; 
And thy kind blessing makes it grow. 

5 Thy goodness crowns the circling year ; 

Thy paths drop fatness all around ; 

E'en barren wilds thy praise declare, 

And echoing hills return the sound. 

6 Here, spreading flocks adorn the plain , 

There plenty ev'ry charm displays. 
Thy bounty clothes each lovely scene ; 
And joyful nature shouts thy praise. 

Hymn 70. l. m. 

1 /^ RE AT God, at whose all-pow'rful call, 
VX At first arose this beauteous frame ! 
By thee the seasons change, and all 

The changing seasons speak thy name. 

2 Thy bounty bids the infant year, 

From winter storms recover' d, rise; 
When thousand grateful scenes appear, 
Fresh op'ning to our wond'ring eyes. 

3 O how delightful 'tis to see 

The earth in vernal beauty drest ! 
While in each herb, and flow'r, and tree, 
Thy blooming glories shine confest ! 

4 Aloft, full beaming, reigns the sun, 

And light and genial heat conveys ; 
And, while he leads the seasons on, 
From thee derives his quick' ning rays. 

5 Around us, in the teeming field, 

Stands the rich grain or purpled vine. 



52 DIVINE PROVIDENCE 

At thy command they rise, to yield 

The strength' ning bread or cheering wine. 
6 Indulgent God! from ev'ry part 

Thy plenteous blessings largely flow. 

We see; we taste; — let ev'ry heart 
With grateful love and duty glow. 



IV. 

DIVINE PROVIDENCE AND GOVERN- 
MENT 



Hymn 71. c. m. 

1 ' •' ET the whole race of creatures lie 

I 1 Abas' d before the Lord ! 
Whate'er his pow'rful hand has form'd, 
He governs with a word. 

2 Ten thousand ages ere the skies 

Were into motion brought, 
All the long years and worlds to come 
Stood present to his thought. 

3 There's not a sparrow or a worm 

O'erlook'd in his decrees. 
He raises monarchs to a throne, 
Or sinks with equal ease. 

4 If light attend the course I go, 

'Tis he provides the rays; 
And 'tis his hand that hides the sun, 
If darkness cloud my days. 



AND GOVERNMENT. 53 

5 Trusting his wisdom and his love, 

I would not wish to know, 
What in the book of his decrees 
Awaits me here below. 

6 Be this alone my fervent pray'r: 

Whate'er my lot shall be, 
Or joys, or sorrows, may they form 
My soul for heav'n and thee ! 

Hymn 72. c. m. 

1 r 1 1 HE Lord, how fearful is his name ! 

JL How wide is his command ! 
Nature, with all her moving frame, 
Rests on his mighty hand. 

2 Immortal glory forms his throne, 

And light his awful robe, 
Whilst, with a smile or with a frown, 
He manages the globe. 

3 Adoring angels round him fall, 

In all their shining forms. 
His sovereign eye looks through them all, 
And pities mortal worms. 

4 His bowels to our worthless race 

In sweet compassion move; 
He clothes his looks with softest grace, 
And takes his title, love. 

5 Now, let the Lord for ever reign, 

And sway us as he will. 
Sick, or in health, in ease, or pain, 
We are his fav' rites still. 

6 No more shall peevish passion rise; 
The tongue no more complain. 

'Tis sov' reign love that lends our joys, 
And love resumes again. 



54 DIVINE PROVIDENCE 

Hymn 73. p. m. ss. 

1 "^""E subjects of the Lord, proclaim 

JL The royal honours of his name. 
"Jehovah reigns," be all your song. 
? Tis he, thy God, O Zion ! reigns. 
Prepare thy most harmonious strains, 
Glad hallelujahs to prolong. 

2 Ye princes, boast no more your crown, 
But lay the glitt'ring trifle down 

In lowly honour at his feet. 
A span your narrow empire bounds : 
He reigns beyond created rounds, 

In self-sufficient glory great. 

3 Tremble, ye pageants of a day, 
Form'd, like your slaves, of brittle clay; 

Down to the dust your sceptres bend. 
To everlasting years he reigns, 
And undiminished rule maintains, 

When kings, and suns, and time shall end. 

4 So shall his favour' d Zion live; 
In vain confed'rate nations strive 

Her sacred turrets to destroy. 
Her so v' reign sits enthron'd above; 
And endless pow'r and endless love 

Insure her safety and her joy. 

Hymn 74. p. m. io* & u& 

1 r 1 1 HE Lord of glory reigns supremely great, 
JL And o'er heav'n's arches builds his royal seat. 
Thro' worlds unknown his sov' reign sway extends, 
Nor space, nor time, his boundless empire ends. 
His eye beholds th' affairs of ev'ry nation, 
And reads each thought thro' his immense creation. 



AND GOVERNMENT. 55 

2 Lightnings and storms his mighty word obey, 
And planets roll, where he has mark'd their way. 
Unnumber'd cherubs veil'd before him stand, 
And at his signal all their wings expand. 

His praise gives harmony to all their voices, 
And ev'ry heart through the full choir rejoices. 

3 Rebellious mortals, cease your tumults vain, 
Nor longer such unequal war maintain. 
Let clay with fellow-clay in combat strive : 

But dread to brave the pow'r, by which you live. 
With contrite hearts fall prostrate, and adore him; 
For, if he frown, ye perish all before him. 

Hymn 75. l. m. 

1 f^ REATEST of beings, source of life, 
vJT Sov' reign of air, and earth, and sea! 
All nature feels thy pow'r; but man 

A grateful tribute pays to thee. 

2 Subject to wants, to thee he looks, 

And from thy goodness seeks supplies; 
And, when oppress' d with guilt, he mourns, 
Thy mercy lifts him to the "es. 

3 Children, whose little minds, unform'd, 

Ne'er rais'd a tender thought to heav'n; 
And men, whom reason lifts to God, 

Though oft by passion downward driv'n; 

4 These, too, who bend with age and care, 

And faint and tremble near the tomb, 
Who, sick'ning at the present scenes, 
Sigh for that better state to come: 

5 All, great Creator ! all are thine; 

All feel thy providential care ; 
And, through each varying scene of life, 
Alike thy constant pity share. 
6 



56 DIVINE PROVIDENCE 

6 And, whether grief oppress the heart, 

Or whether joy elate the breast, 
Or life still keep its little course, 
Or death invite the heart to rest: — 

7 All are thy messengers, and all 

Thy sacred pleasure, Lord, obey; 
And all are training man to dwell 
Nearer to bliss, and nearer thee. 

Hymn 76. l. m. 

1 ~1T¥7"H0, gracious Father ! can complain, 

▼ ? Under thy mild and gentle reign? 
Who does a weight of duty share, 
More than his aids and pow'rs can bear? 

2 With diff'ring climes, and diff'ring lands, 
With fertile plains and barren sands, 
Thy hand hath fram'd this earthly round, 
And set each nation in its bound. 

3 So various, thy celestial ray 

Here sheds a full, there fainter day. 
The God of all, unkind to none, 
To all the path of life hath shown. 

4 Large is the bounty of his hand : 
He will a large return demand. 
Haste then, my soul ! thy work pursue, 
And keep the heav'nly prize in view. 

Hymn 77. l. m. 

1 rilHROUGH all the various shifting scene 

JL Of life's mistaken ill or good, 
Thy hand, O God, conducts, unseen, 
The beautiful vicissitude. 

2 Thou givest with paternal care, 

Howe'er unjustly we complain, 



AND GOVERNMENT. 57 

To all their necessary share 

Of joy and sorrow, health and pain. 

3 Trust we to youth, or friends, or pow'r? 

Fix we on this terrestrial ball ? 
When most secure, the coming hour, 
If thou see fit, may blast them all. 

4 Thy pow'rful consolations cheer; 

Thy smiles suppress the deep-fetch' d sigh; 
Thy hand can dry the trickling tear, 
That secret wets the widow's eye. 

5 All things on earth; and all in heav'n 

On thy eternal will depend ; 
And all for greater good were giv'n, 
Would man pursue th' appointed end. 

6 Be this my care : — To all beside, 

Indiff'rent let my wishes be. 
Passion be calm, abas'd be pride, 

And fix'd my soul, great God! on thee. 

Hymn 78. c. m. 

1 d^i OD moves in a mysterious way, 
VJ~ His wonders to perform. 

He plants his footsteps in the sea, 
And rides upon the storm. 

2 Deep in unfathomable mines 

Of never-failing skill, 
He treasures up his bright designs, 
And works his sov' reign will. 

3 Ye fearful saints ! fresh courage take : 

The clouds ye so much dread 
Are big with mercy, and will break 
In blessings on your head. 

4 Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, 

But trust him for his grace; 



58 DIVINE PROVIDENCE 

Behind a frowning providence, 
He hides a smiling face. 

5 His purposes will ripen fast, 

Unfolding ev'ry hour. 
The bud may have a bitter taste, 
But sweet will be the flow'r. 

6 Blind unbelief is sure to err, 

And scan his work in vain. 
God is his own interpreter, 
And he will make it plain. 

Hymn 79. l.m. 

1 XT" AST are thy works, almighty Lord I 

▼ All nature rests upon thy word. 
Thy glories in the heav'ns we see; 
The spacious earth is full of thee. 

2 The various tribes of creatures stand, 
Waiting their portion from thy hand ; 
And, while they take their difFrent food, 
Their cheerful looks pronounce thee good. 

3 Whene'er thy face is hid, they mourn, 
And, dying, to their dust return; 
Both man and beast their souls resign ; 
Life, breath, and spirit, all are thine. 

4 Yet thou canst breathe on dust again, 
And fill the world with beasts and men. 
A word of thy creating breath 
Repairs the wastes of time and death. 

5 The earth stands trembling at thy stroke, 
And at thy touch the mountains smoke. 
Yet humble souls may see thy face, 
And tell their wants to sov' reign grace. 

6 In thee my hopes and wishes meet, 
And make my meditations sweet. 

I to my God, my heav'nly King, 
Immortal hallelujahs sing. 



and government. 59 

Hymn 80. l. m. 

1 (^ RE AT Ruler of the earth and skies! 
vJT A word of thine almighty breath 
Can sink the world, or bid it rise. 

Thy smile is life, thy frown is death. 

2 When angry nations rush to arms, 

And rage, and noise, and tumult reig 
And war resounds its dire alarms, 
And slaughter dyes the hostile plain : 

3 Thy sov' reign eye looks calmly down, 

And marks their course, and bounds their pow 7 r; 
Thy law the angry nations own, 

And noise and war are heard no more. 

4 Then peace returns with balmy wing, 

Sweet peace ! with her what blessings fled ! 
Glad plenty laughs, the valleys sing, 
Reviving commerce lifts her head. 

5 To thee we pay our grateful songs; 

Thy kind protection still implore. 
O may our hearts, and lives, and tongues, 
Confess thy goodness, and adore ! 

Hymn 81. l. m. 

1 /^ OD is the refuge of his saints, 

VJT When storms of deep distress invade. 
Ere we can offer our complaints, 
Behold him present with his aid. 

2 Let mountains from their seats be hurl'd 

Down to the deep, and buried there ; 
Convulsions shake the solid world : 
Our faith shall never yield to fear. 

3 Loud may the troubled ocean roar : 

In sacred peace our souls abide ; 
While ev'ry nation, ev'ry shore 

Trembles and dreads the swelling tide. 
6* 



60 DIVINE PROVIDENCE 

4 'Midst storms and tempests, Lord ! thy word 
Does ev'ry rising fear control. 
Sweet peace thy promises afford, 
And well sustain the fainting soul. 

Hymn 82. s. m. 

1 /^ IVE to the winds thy fears ; 
VX Hope, and be undismay'd : * 

God hears thy sighs, and counts thy tears, 
God shall lift up thy head. 

2 Through waves, and clouds, and storms, 

He gently clears thy way : 
Wait thou his time, so shall this night 
Soon end in joyous day. 

3 What though thou rulest not ; 

Yet heav'n, and earth, and hell 
Proclaim, God sitteth on the throne, 
And ruleth all things well. 

4 Thine everlasting truth, 

Father, thy ceaseless love, 
Sees all thy children's wants, and knows 
What best for each will prove. 

5 And whatsoe'er thou will'st, 

Thou dost, O King of kings ; 
What thine unerring wisdom chose, 
Thy pow'r to being brings. 

6 Thou see' st our weakness, Lord ; 

Our hearts are known to thee. 
O lift thou up the sinking head, 
Confirm the feeble knee. 

7 Let us in life, in death, 

Thy stedfast truth declare ; 
And publish with our latest breath, 
Thy love and guardian care. 



and government. 61 

Hymn 83. l. m. 

1 IVfOT from relentless fate's dark womb, 
J_ ll Or from the dust, our troubles come. 
No fickle chance presides o'er grief, 

To cause the pain, or send relief. 

2 Look up, and see, ye sorrowing saints ! 
The cause and cure of your complaints. 
Know, 'tis your heav'nly Father's will : 
Bid ev'ry murmur then be still. 

3 He sees, we need the painful yoke ; 
Yet love directs his heaviest stroke. 
He takes no pleasure in our smart, 

But wounds to heal and cheer the heart. 

4 Blest trials those that cleanse from sin, 
And make the soul all pure within, 
Wean the fond mind from earthly toys, 
To seek and taste celestial joys ! 

Hymn 84. cm. 

1 f 1 1 calm the sorrows of the mind, 

JL Our heav'nly friend is nigh, 
To wipe the anxious tear that starts 
Or trembles in the eye. 

2 Thou canst, when anguish rends the heart, 

The secret wo control ; 
The inward malady canst heal, 
The sickness of the soul. 

3 Thou canst repress the rising sigh ; 

Canst soothe each mortal care; 
And ev'ry deep and heart-felt groan 
Is wafted to thine ear. 

4 Thy gracious eye is watchful still 

Thy potent arm can save 



62 DIVINE PROVIDENCE 

From threat' ning danger and disease, 
And the devouring grave. 

5 When, pale and languid all the frame, 

The ruthless hand of pain 
Arrests the feeble pow'rs of life, 
The help of man is vain. 

6 'Tis thou, great God ! alone canst check 

The progress of disease; 
And sickness, aw'd by pow'r divine, 
The high command obeys. 

7 Eternal source of life, and health, 

And ev'ry Miss we feel ! 
In sorrow and in joy, to thee 
Our grateful hearts appeal* 

Hymn 85. s. m. 

1 CURE there's a righteous God, 
k3 Nor is religion vain; 

Though men of vice may boast aloud, 
And virtuous men complain. 

2 I saw the wicked rise, 

And felt my heart repine, 
While haughty fools, with scornful eyes, 
In robes of honour shine. 

3 Their impious tongues blaspheme 

The everlasting God; 
Their malice blasts the good man's name, 
And spreads their lies abroad. 

4 The tumults of my thought 

Held me in deep suspense, 
Till to thy house my feet were brought, 
To learn thy justice thence. 

5 Thy word, with light and pow'r, 
Did my mistakes amend; 



AND GOVERNMENT. 63 

I view'd the sinners' life before, 
But here I learnt their end. 

6 Lord, at thy feet I bow; 

My thoughts no more repine. 

I call my God my portion now, 

And ail my pow'rs are thine. 

Hymn 86. c. m. 

1 X ET others boast how strong they be, 

■ I Nor death nor danger fear ; 
While we confess, O Lord, to thee, 
What feeble things we are. 

2 Fresh as the grass our bodies stand, 

And flourish bright and gay : 
A blasting wind sweeps o'er the land, 
And fades the grass away. 

3 Our life contains a thousand springs, 

And dies if one be gone. 
Strange ! that a harp of thousand strings 
Should keep in tune so long. 

4 But 'tis our God supports our frame, 

The God that form'd us first. 

Salvation to th' almighty name, 

That rear'd us from the dust. 

5 While we have breath, or life, or tongues, 

Our Maker we'll adore. 
His spirit moves our heaving lungs, 
Or they would breathe no more. 

Hymn 87. p. m. 6b. & 4s. 

1 TTPWARD I lift mine eyes, 
VJ From God is all my aid ; 
The God who built the skies, 
And earth's foundations laid. 



64 DIVINE PROVIDENCE 

God is the tow'r, 
To which I fly; 
His grace is nigh 

In ev'ry hour. 

2 My feet shall never slide 
Or fall in fatal snares ; 

Since God, my guard and guide, 
Defends me from my fears. 
Those wakeful eyes, 
That never sleep, 
His children keep, 
When dangers rise. 

3 No burning heats by day, 
Nor blasts of ev'ning air, 

Shall take my health away, 
If God be with me there. 
Thou art my sun, 
And thou my shade, 
To guard my head 
By night or noon. 

4 Hast thou not giv'n thy word, 
To save my soul from death? 

And I can trust the Lord, 
To keep my mortal breath. 
I'll go and come, 
Nor fear to die, 
Till from on high 
He call me home. 

Hymn 88. l. m. 

1 f 1 1 HEY, that have made their refuge God, 
JL Shall find a most secure abode ; 

Shall walk all day beneath his shade, 
And there at night shall rest their head. 

2 If burning beams of noon conspire 
To dart a pestilential fire : 



AND GOVERNMENT. 65 

God is their life ; his wings are spread, 
To shield them 'midst ten thousand dead. 

3 If vapours with malignant breath 
Rise thick, and scatter midnight death : 
Still they are safe ; the poison' d air 
Again grows pure, if God be there. 

4 But if the fire, or plague, or sword, 
Receive commission from the Lord, 
To strike his saints among the rest : 
Their very pains and deaths are blest. 

5 The sword, the pestilence, or fire, 
Shall but fulfil their best desire ; 
From sins and sorrows set them free, 
And bring thy children, Lord ! to thee. 

Hymn 89. c. m. 

1 \ ND art thou with us, gracious Lord, 
Ijl To dissipate our fear? 

Dost thou proclaim thyself our God, 
Our God for ever near % 

2 Doth thy right hand, which form'd the earth, 

And bears up all the skies, 
Stretch from on high its friendly aid, 
When dangers round us rise? 

3 And wilt thou lead our weary souls 

To that delightful scene, 
Where rivers of salvation flow 
Through pastures ever green? 

4 On thy support our souls shall lean, 

And banish ev'ry care; 
The gloomy vale of death will smile, 
If God be with us there. 

5 While we his gracious succour prove, 

'Midst all our various ways, 






66 DIVINE PROVIDENCE 

The darkest shades, through which we pass, 
Shall echo with his praise. 

Hymn 90. p. m. s s . 

1 1 1 1 HE Lord my pasture shall prepare, 

JL And feed me with a shepherd's care; 
His presence shall my wants supply, 
And guard me with a watchful eye ; 
My noon-day walks he shall attend, 
And all my midnight hours defend. 

2 When on the sultry glebe I faint, 
Or on the thirsty mountain pant; 
To fertile vales and dewy meads 
My weary wand' ring steps he leads, 
Where peaceful rivers, soft and slow, 
Amid the verdant landscape flow. 

3 Though in a bare and rugged way, 
Through devious lonely wilds I stray; 
Thy bounty shall my pains beguile, 
The barren wilderness shall smile, 
With sudden greens and herbage crown' d, 
And streams shall murmur all around. 

4 Though in the paths of death I tread, 
With gloomy horrors overspread ; 
My steadfast heart shall fear no ill, 
For thou, O Lord, art. with me still ; 
Thy friendly crook shall give me aid, 
And guide me through the dreadful shade. 

Hymn 91. c. m. 

1 O HINE on our souls, eternal God f 
k3 With rays of mercy shine : 
O let thy favour crown our days, 
And their whole course be thine. 



AND GOVERNMENT. 67 

2 Did we not raise our hands to thee, 

Our hands might toil in vain : 
Small joy success itself could give, 
If thou thy love restain. 

3 'Tis ours, the furrows to prepare, 

And sow the precious grain; 
'Tis thine, to give the sun and air, 
And to command the rain. 

4 With thee let ev'ry week begin, 

With thee each day be spent, 
For thee each fleeting hour improv'd, 
Since each by thee is lent. 

5 Thus cheer us through this toilsome road, 

Till all our labours cease; 
And thus prepare our weary souls 
For everlasting peace. 

Hymn 92. c. m. 

In travelling, 

1 TTOW are thy servants blest, O Lord ! 
JLJL How sure is their defence ! 
Eternal wisdom is their guide, 

Their help omnipotence. 

2 In foreign realms and lands remote, 

Supported by thy care, 
They pass unhurt through burning climes, 
And breathe in tainted air. 

3 Thy mercy sweetens ev'ry soil, 

Makes ev'ry region please. 
The hoary frozen hills it warms, 
And smoothes the boist'rous seas. 

4 Though by the dreadful tempest toss'd, 

High on the broken wave, 
7 



68 DIVINE PROVIDENCE 

They know thou art not slow to hear, 
Nor impotent to save. 

5 The storm is laid, the winds retire, 

Obedient to thy will ; 
The sea, that roars at thy command, 
At thy command is still. 

6 From all my griefs and straits, O Lord ! 

Thy mercy sets me free ; 
Whilst in the confidence of pray'r 
My heart takes hold on thee. 

7 In midst of dangers, fears, and deaths, 

Thy goodness I'll adore; 
And praise thee for thy mercies past, 
And humbly hope for more. 

8 My life, while thou preserv'st my life, 

Thy sacrifice shall be; 
And, oh ! may death, when death shall come, 
Unite my soul to thee ! 

Hymn 93. c. m. 

In a thunder-storm. 



L 



ET coward guilt, with pallid fear, 
To shelt'ring caverns fly; 
And justly dread the vengeful fate, 
Which thunders through the sky : 

Protected by that hand, whose law 
The threatening storms obey, 

Intrepid virtue smiles secure, 
As in the blaze of day. 

In the thick cloud's tremendous gloom, 
The lightning's horrid glare, 

It views the same all-gracious pow'r 
Which breathes the vernal air. 



AND GOVERNMENT. 69 

4 Through nature's ever- varying scene, 

By diff'rent ways pursu'd, 
The one eternal end of heav'n 
Is universal good. 

5 When, through creation's vast expanse, 

The last dread thunders roll, 
Untune the concord of the spheres, 
And shake the guilty soul : 

6 Unmov'd may we the final storm 

Of jarring worlds survey, 
That ushers in the tranquil morn 
Of an eternal day. 



V. 

MISSION AND NATIVITY OF CHRIST. 



Hymn 94. c. m. 

HARK, the glad sound, the Saviour comes, 
The Saviour promis'd long! 
Let ev'ry heart prepare a throne, 
And ev'ry voice a song. 

On him the spirit, largely pour'd, 

Exerts his sacred fire ; 
Wisdom, and might, and zeal, and love, 

His holy breast inspire. 

He comes the pris'ners to release, 

In Satan's bondage held : 
The gates of brass before him burst, 

The iron fetters yield. 



70 MISSION AND NATIVITY 

4 He comes, from thickest films of vice 

To clear the mental ray ; 
And, on the eyes, oppress' d with night, 
To pour celestial day. 

5 He comes, the broken heart to bind, 

The bleeding soul to cure, 
And, with the treasures of his grace, 
T' enrich the humble poor. 

6 Our glad hosannahs, Prince of peace ! 

Thy welcome shall proclaim; 
And heav'n's eternal arches ring 
With thy beloved name. 

Hymn 95. s. m. 

1 ■> AISE your triumphant songs, 
JLV To an immortal tune. 

Let the wide earth resound the deeds 
Celestial grace has done. 

2 Sing, how eternal love 

Its chief beloved chose, 
And bade him raise our wretched race 
From their abyss of woes. 

3 His hand no thunder bears ; 

No terror clothes his brow ; 
No bolts to drive our guilty souls 
To fiercer flames below. 

4 'Twas mercy fill'd the throne, 

No wrath stood frowning by, 
When Christ was sent with pardon down 
To rebels doom'd to die. 

5 Now, sinners, dry your tears ; 

Let hopeless sorrow cease; 
Bow to the sceptre of his love, 
And take the offer' d peace. 



OF CHRIST. 71' 

Hymn 96. c. m. 

1 ^~\N Judah's plains as shepherds sat, 
\Jr Watching their flocks by night, 
The angel of the Lord appear' d, 

Clad in celestial light. 

2 Awe-struck the vision they regard, 

AppalPd with trembling fear; 
When thus a cherub-voice divine 
Breath' d sweetly on their ear. 

3 " Shepherds of Judah ! cease your fears, 

And calm your troubled mind ; 
Glad tidings of great joy I bring 
To you and all mankind. 

4 This day almighty love fulfils 

Its great eternal word: 
This day is born in Bethlehem 
A Saviour, Christ the Lord. 

5 There shall you find the heav'nly babe 

In humblest weeds array' d; 
All meanly wrapp'd in swaddling clothes, 
And in a manger laid." 

6 He ceas'd, and sudden all around 

Appear' d a radiant throng 
Of angels, praising God, and thus 
Warbling their choral song : 

7 " Glory to God, from whom on high 

All-gracious mercies flow ! 
Who sends his heav'n-descended peace 
To dwell with man below." 



H 



Hymn 97. p. m 



ARK ! what celestial notes, 
What melody we hear ! 

7* 



72 MISSION AND NATIVITY 

Soft on the morn it floats, 
And fills the ravish' d ear. 
The tuneful shell, 
The golden lyre, 
And vocal choir 
The concert swell. 

2 Th' angelic hosts descend, 

With harmony divine : 
See how from heav'n they bend, 
And in full chorus join. 
Fear not, say they, 
Great joy we bring: 
Jesus, your King, 
Is born to day. 

3 He comes from error's night 

Your wand' ring feet to save; 
To realms of bliss and light 
He lifts you from the grave. 
This glorious morn, 
(Let all attend !) 
Your matchless friend, 
Your Saviour's born. 

4 Glory to God on high ! 

Ye mortals, spread the sound, 
And let your raptures fly 
To earth's remotest bound : 
For peace on earth, 
From God in heav'n, 
To man is giv'n, 
At Jesus' birth. 

Hymn 98. cm. 

1 TTIGH let us swell our tuneful notes, 
JLX And join th' angelic throng ; 
For angels no such love have known, 
T 7 awake a cheerful song. 



OF CHRIST. 73 

2 Good will to guilty men is shewn, 

And peace on earth is giv'n ; 
For, lo ! th' incarnate Saviour comes, 
With messages from heav'n. 

3 Justice and grace, with sweet accord, 

His rising beams adorn : 
Let heav'n and earth in concert join, 
Now such a child in born. 

4 Glory to God, in highest strains, 

In highest worlds be paid ! 
His glory by our lips proclaim' d, 
And by our lives displayed ! 

5 When shall we reach those blissful realms, 

Where Christ exalted reigns, 

And learn of the celestial choir 

Their own immortal strains ? 

Hymn 99. c. m. 

1 TOY to the world; the Lord is come ! 
t-r Let earth receive her King. 

Let ev'ry heart prepare him room, 
And heav'n and nature sing. 

2 Joy to the earth ; the Saviour reigns ! 

Let men their songs employ ; 
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains, 
Repeat the sounding joy. 

3 No more let sins and sorrows grow, 

Nor thorns infest the ground. 
He comes to make his blessings flow 
Far as the curse is found. 

4 He rules the world with truth and grace, 

And makes the nations prove 
The glories of his righteousness, 
And wonders of his love. 



74 mission and nativity 

Hymn 100. l. m. 

1 TTJTTELCOME the hope of Israel's race 

T ▼ The messenger of truth and grace ! 
Your hearts in righteousness prepare ; 
Behold your wish'd redemption near ! 

2 See glory bursting from the skies, 
O'er Judah's land effulgent rise ; 
And fix amidst her coasts its seat, 
Where justice, truth, and mercy meet : 

3 While faith and hope, their offspring dear, 
Attendant on their steps appear ; 

And join'd in friendly compact move, 
Bless' d with philanthropy and love. 

4 Truth in thy lands, O earth ! shall spring ; 
And righteousness, her healing wing 
Expanding, downward cast her eye ; 

While heav'n's great Monarch, from on high, 

5 The heathen gloom shall chase away, 
And usher in a glorious day ; 

And from his own propitious will 
The promis'd grace to man fulfil. 



p 



Hymn 101. l. m. 

RAISE ye the Lord, who reigns above, 
Fix'd on his throne of truth and love: 
Behold the finger of his pow'r; 
Contemplate, wonder, and adore. 

When man, debas'd and guilty man, 
From crime to crime with madness ran ; 
Well might his arm its thunders launch, 
And blast th' ungrateful, root and branch. 

But clemency with justice strove, 
To save the people of his love. 



OF CHRIST. 75 

" Go, my beloved Son ! " he cried, 

"Be thou their Saviour, thou their guide." 

The eastern star with glory streams ; 
It comes, with healing on its beams. 
Dark mists of error fleet away, 
And Judah hails the rising day. 

His sacred memory we bless, 

Whose holy gospel we profess ; 

And praise that great Almighty name, 

From whom such light and favour came. 



T 



Hymn 102. l. m. 

O those who fear and trust the Lard, 
His mercy stands for ever sure. 
From age to age his promise lives, 
And the performance is secure. 

2 He spake to Abr'am and his seed: 

"In thee shall all the world be bless* d!" 
The mem'ry of that ancient word 
Lay long in his eternal breast. 

3 But now no more shall Israel wait ; 

No more the Gentiles lie forlorn. 
Lo ! the desire of nations comes ; 
Behold ! the promis'd seed is born. 

Hymn 103. p. m. 7s. 

1 O ONS of Adam ! join to raise 
£5 Songs of gratitude and praise. 
Emulate the choirs above ; 
Celebrate eternal love. 

2 Endless ages saw the scheme ; 
Endless ages sang the theme : 
Man, in God's own image made, 
Honour, glory, on his head. 



76 MISSION AND NATIVITY 

3 Raptur'd, all the sons of light 
Hail'd the moment, mercy bright, 
When to Jesus, Lord from heav'n, 
Thus the glorious charge was giv'n : 

4 " Go, proclaim Jehovah's grace ; 
Fear destroy, and guilt efface ; 
Conquer death, unbar the grave : 
Lo ! thy work — the world to save.' : 

5 Speak your pleasures, happy race, 
Objects of your Father's grace ! 
All the family of earth 

Glory in your Saviour's birth ! 

Hymn 104. p. m. 

1 ^i IVE thanks to God most high, 
\JT The universal Lord, 

The sov' reign King of kings; 
And be his grace ador'd. 
His pow'r and grace 
Are still the same ; 
And let his name 
Have endless praise. 

2 He saw the nations lie 

All perishing in sin, 
And pitied the sad state 
The ruin'd world was in. 
Thy mercy, Lord, 
Shall still endure; 
And ever sure 
Abides thy word. 

3 He sent his only Son 

To save us from our wo, 
From Satan, sin, and death, 
And ev'ry hurtful foe. 



OF CHRIST. 77 



His pow'r and grace 
Are still the same; 
And let his name 

Have endless praise. 

4 Give thanks aloud to God, 
To God the heav'nly King; 
And let the spacious earth 
His works and glories sing. 
Thy mercy, Lord, 
Shall still endure; 
And ever sure 
Abides thy word. 



VI. 

OFFICE AND MEDIATION OF CHRIST. 



Hymn 105. l. m. 

1 TMMORTAL God ! on thee we call, 
JL The great original of all. 

From thee we are, to thee we tend, 
Our sure support, our glorious end. 

2 We praise that wise, that wondrous grace, 
That pitied our revolted race, 

And Jesus, our victorious head, 
The captain of salvation made. 

3 He, thine eternal love decreed, 
Should many sons to glory lead : 
And sinful worms to him are giv'n, 
A colony to people heav'n. 



78 OFFICE AND MEDIATION 

4 Jesus for us (O gracious name !) 
Encounter' d agony and shame ; 
Jesus, the glorious and the great, 
Was by dire suff 5 rings made complete. 

5 A scene of wonders here we see, 
Worthy thy Son, and worthy thee ; 

And, while this theme employs our tongues, 
All heav'n unites its sweetest songs. 

Hymn 106. l. m. 

1 F | lH' eternal Sov' reign from on high 

JL Cast on the sons of men his eye, 
To see, if any understood, 
And fear'd, and lov'd their Maker, God. 

2 But all were so degen'rate grown, 
None the true God had fully known ; 
Both Jew and Gentile long had been 
By lust enslav'd, and dead in sin. 

3 Both gone from wisdom's path astray, 
Pursu'd the errors of their way, 
With dismal superstition blind ; 

And causeless terrors fill'd their mind. 

4 Who, gracious God ! to sinners' eyes 
Could bid the wish'd salvation rise? 
Thy Son did light and truth display, 
And turn their darkness into day. 

5 No flesh shall boast of righteousness, 
But guilty shall themselves confess ; 
And, when they hear thy pard'ning voice, 
In thy salvation shall rejoice. 



B 



Hymn 107. l. m. 

EHOLD, the blind their sight receive ! 
Behold, the dead awake and live ! 



OF CHRIST. 79 

The dumb speak wonders, and the lame 
Leap like the hart, and bless his name. 

2 Thus doth th' eternal Spirit own 
And seal the mission of the Son; 
The Father vindicates his cause, 
While he hangs bleeding on the cross. 

3 He dies; the heav'ns in mourning stood: 
He rises, and appears a God. 

Behold the Lord ascending high, 
No more to bleed, no more to die. 

4 Hence, and for ever, from my heart 
I bid my doubts and fears depart; 
And to those hands my soul resign, 
Which bear credentials so divine. 

Hymn 108. l. m. 

1 X7£7~HAT works of wisdom, pow'r, and love, 

? ? Do Jesus' high commission prove ! 
Attest his heav'n-derived claim, 
And glorify his Father's name I 

2 On eyes that never saw the day, 
He pours the bright celestial ray ; 
And deafen' d ears, by him unbound, 
Catch all the harmony of sound. 

3 Lameness takes up its bed, and goes 
Rejoicing in the strength that flows 
Through ev'ry nerve ; and, free from pain, 
Pours forth to God the grateful strain. 

4 The shatter' d mind his word restores, 
And tunes afresh the mental powers; 
The dead revive, to life return, 

And bid affection cease to monrn. 

5 Canst thou, my soul, these wonders trace, 
And not admire Jehovah's grace? 



80 OFFICE AND MEDIATION 

Canst thou behold thy Saviour's pow'r, 
And not believe, obey, adore ? 

Hymn 109. l. m. 

1 rri O thee, O God ! we homage pay, 

JL Source of the light that rules the day ! 
Who, while he gilds all nature's frame, 
Reflects thy rays, and speaks thy name. 

2 In louder strains we sing that grace, 
Which gives the sun of righteousness, 
Whose nobler light salvation brings, 
And scatters healing from his wings. 

3 Still on our hearts may Jesus shine 
With beams of light and love divine ! 
Quicken' d by him, our souls shall live, 
And, cheer' d by him, shall grow and thrive. 

4 O may his glories stand confess' d, 
From north to south, from east to west ; 
Successful may his gospel run, 

Wide as the circuit of the sun. 

5 When shall that radiant scene arise, 
When, fix'd on high, in purer skies, 
Christ all his lustre shall display 

On all his saints through endless day ! 

Hymn 110. l. m. 

1 V 1 1 HOU, Lord, by mortal eyes unseen, 

JL And by thy offspring here unknown, 
To manifest thyself to men, 

Hast set thine image in thy Son. 

2 As the bright sun's meridian blaze 

O'erwhelms and pains our feeble sight, 
But cheers us with his softer rays, 
When shining with reflected light; 



OF CHRIST. 81 

3 So, in thy Son, thy pow'r divine, 

Thy wisdom, justice, truth, and love, 
With mild and pleasing lustre shine, 
Reflected from thy throne above. 

4 Though Jews, who granted not his claim, 

Contemptuous turn'd away their face; 
Yet those, who trusted in his name, 
Beheld in him thy truth and grace. 

5 O thou ! at whose almighty word 

Fair light at first from darkness shone, 
Teach us to know our glorious Lord, 
And trace the Father in the Son. 

6 While we thine image, here display' d, 

With love and admiration view; 
Form us in likeness to our head, 
That we may bear thine image too. 

Hymn 111. s. m. 

1 TTOW beauteous are their feet, 
JLjL Who stand on Zion's hill ! 
Who bring salvation on their tongues, 

And words of peace reveal. 

2 How charming is their voice ! 

How sweet the tidings are ! 
"Zion, behold thy Saviour King; 
"He reigns and triumphs here." 

3 How happy are our ears, 

That hear this joyful sound, 
Which kings and prophets waited for, 
And sought, but never found ! 

4 How blessed are our eyes, 

That see this heav'nly light ! 
Prophets and kings desir'd it long, 
But died without the sight. 



82 OFFICE AND MEDIATION 

5 The watchmen join their voice, 

And tuneful notes employ ; 

Jerusalem breaks forth in songs, 

And deserts learn the joy. 

6 The Lord makes bare his arm 

Through all the earth abroad; 
Let ev'ry nation now behold 
Their Saviour and their God. 

Hymn 112. s. m. 

1 T>EHOLD, the Prince of peace ! 
JD The chosen of the Lord, 
God's well-beloved Son, fulfils 

The sure prophetic word. 

2 No royal pomp adorns 

This king of righteousness : 
Meekness and patience, truth and love, 
Compose his princely dress. 

3 Jesus, thou light of men ! 

Thy doctrine life imparts. 
O may we feel its quick' ning pow'r 
To warm and glad our hearts ! 

4 Cheer 1 d by its beams, our souls 

Shall run the heav'nly way. 
The path, which Christ unwearied trod, 
Will lead to endless day. 

Hymn 113. l. m. 

1 TVTOW to the Lord a noble song ! 
J_^l Awake my soul, awake my tongue. 
Hosannah to th' eternal name, 

And all his boundless love proclaim. 

2 See where it shines in Jesus' face, 
The brightest image of his grace ! 



OF CHRIST. 83 

God, in the person of his Son, 
Has all his noblest works outdone. 

3 The spacious earth and spreading flood 
Proclaim the wise and pow'rful God; 
And thy rich glories, from afar, 
Sparkle in ev'ry rolling star. 

4 But in thy Son a glory shines, 
Drawn out in far superior lines ; 
The lustre of redeeming grace 
Outshines the beams of nature's face. 

5 Grace ! 'tis a sweet, a charming theme ; 
My thoughts rejoice at Jesus' name. 
Ye angels, dwell upon the sound ! 

Ye heav'ns, reflect it to the ground ! 

6 O may I reach that happy place ; 
Where he unveils his lovely face ! 
Where all his saints, from death restored, 
Shall be forever with the Lord. 



j 



Hymn 114. p. m. 

OIN all the glorious names 
Of wisdom, love, and pow'r, 
That ever mortals knew, 
That angels ever bore : 
All are too mean 
To speak his worth; 

Too mean to set 
My Saviour forth. 

But O, what gentle terms, 

What condescending ways, 
Doth our Redeemer use, 

To teach his heav'nly grace! 
Mine eyes with joy 
And wonder see, 

What forms of love 
He bears for me. 
8* 



84 OFFICE AND MEDIATION 

3 Array 7 d in mortal flesh, 

He like an angel stands, 
And holds the promises 
And pardons in his hands; 
Commission' d from 
His Father's throne, 

To make his grace 
To mortals known. 

4 Great Prophet of my God ! 

My tongue would bless thy name 
By thee the joyful news 
Of our salvation came : 
The joyful news 
Of sin forgiv'n, 

Of hell subdu'd, 
And peace with heav'n. 

Hymn 115. p.m. 

1 XT^ITH ecstacy of joy 

▼ ▼ Extol his glorious name, 
Who rear'd the spacious earth, 
And rais'd our mortal frame. 
He built the church, 
Who spread the sky : 

Shout and exalt 
His honours high. 

2 See the foundation laid 

By pow'r and love divine; 
Jesus, his first-born Son, 

How bright his glories shine ! 
Low he descends, 
In dust he lies, 

That from his tomb 
A church might rise. 

3 But he for ever lives, 

Nor for himself alone ; 



OF CHRIST. 85 

Each saint new life derives 
From him, the living stone. 
His influence spreads 
Through ev'ry soul, 
And in one house 
Unites the whole. 

4 To him with joy we move ; 
In him cemented stand ; 
The living temple grows. 

And owns the founder's hand. 
That structure, Lord, 
Still higher raise, 

Louder to sound 
Its builder's praise. 

Hymn 116. p. m. &. 

1 Xy^TTE sing the wise, the gracious plan, 

T? Which God devis'd, ere time began 
At length disclos'd in all its light; 
We bless the wondrous birth of love, 
Which beams around us from above, 
With grace so free and hope so bright. 

2 Here has the wise eternal mind 

In Christ, their common head, conjoin' d 
Gentiles and Jews, and earth and heav'n. 

Through him, from the great Father's throne, 

Rivers of bliss come rolling down, 
And endless peace and life are giv'n. 

3 No more the awful cherubs guard 
The tree -of life with flaming sword, 

To drive afar man's trembling race. 
At Salem's pearly gates they stand, 
And smiling wait, a friendly band, 

To welcome strangers to the place. 

4 While we expect that glorious sight, 
Love shall our hearts with theirs unite, 



86 OFFICE AND MEDIATION 

And ardent hope our bosoms raise. 
From earth's low cottages of clay, 
To those resplendent realms of day, 

We'll try to send the sounding praise. 



•s 



Hymn 117. c. m. 

ALVATION, O the joyful sound! 
'Tis music to our ears; 
A sov' reign balm for ev'ry wound, 
A cordial for our fears. 

2 Buried in sorrow and in sin, 

At hell's dark door we lay : 
But we arise by grace divine, 
To see a heav'nly day. 

3 Salvation ! let the echo fly 

The spacious earth around; 

While all the armies of the sky 

Conspire to raise the sound. 

CHORUS. 

Glory, honour, praise, and power, 
Be unto the Lamb for ever ! 

Jesus Christ is our Redeemer ! 
Hallelujah ! praise the Lord ! 

Hymn 118. l. m. 

1 \ LL-glorious God ! what hymns of praise 
jljl. Shall our transported voices raise? 
What ardent love and zeal are due, 

While heav'n stands open to our view ! 

2 Once we were fall'n, and O how low ! 
Just on the brink of hopeless wo ! 
When Jesus, from the realms above, 
Borne on the wings of boundless love, 



OF CHRIST. 87 

3 Scattered the shades of death and night, 
And spread around his heav'nly light. 
By him what wondrous grace is shown 
To souls impov'rish'd and undone! 

4 Far, far beyond these mortal shores, 
A bright inheritance is ours; 
Where saints in light our coming wait, 
To share their holy happy state. 

Hymn 119. p. m. 8s. 

1 "TVTOW I nave f oim d the ground wherein 
jl% Sure my soul's anchor may remain: 
The love of God forgiving sin, 
Through Jesus crucified and slain. 

His mercy shall unshaken stay, 

When heav'n and earth have pass'd away. 

2 Father ! thine everlasting grace 
Our scanty thought surpasses far ; 
Thy heart still melts with tenderness, 
Thine arms of love still open are ; 

And Jesus' blood, through earth and skies, 
Mercy, free, boundless mercy, cries. 

3 Though waves and storms go o'er my head, 
Though strength and health and friends be gone, 
Though joys be wither' d all and dead, 
Though ev'ry comfort be withdrawn : 

On this my steadfast soul relies, 
Father, thy mercy never dies. 

4 Fix'd on this ground will I remain, 
Though my heart fail and strength decay. 
This anchor shall my soul sustain, 
When earth's foundations melt away. 
Mercy's full pow'r I then shall prove, 
Lov'd with an everlasting love. 



88 office and mediation 

Hymn 120. p.m. 8s* 7s. 

1 /^VNE there is, above all others, 
V-/ Well deserves the name of friend; 
His is love beyond a brother's, 

Costly, free, and knows no end. 
They who his salvation prove, 
Find it everlasting love. 

2 Which of all our friends, to save us, 

Could or would have shed his blood? 
But this Saviour died to have us 

Reconcil'd in him to God. 
It was boundless love, to bleed : 
Jesus is a friend indeed. 

3 When he liv'd on earth abased, 

Friend of sinners, was his name : 
Now, above all glory raised, 

He rejoices in the same. 
Still he calls them brethren, friends, 
And to all their wants attends. 

4 Oh ! for grace our hearts to soften ! 

Teach us, Lord, at length to love. 
We, alas ! forget too often, 

What a friend we have above. 
When to heav'n our souls are brought, 
We will love thee as we ought. 

Hymn 121. p. m. 7s. 

1 "IVTOW begin the heav'nly theme, 
Jl\ Sing aloud in Jesus' name ! 
Ye, who his salvation prove, 
Triumph in redeeming love. 

2 Ye, who see the Father's grace, 
Beaming in the Saviour's face, 
As to heav'n ye onward move, 
Triumph in redeeming love. 



OF CHRIST. 89 

3 Mourning souls ! dry up your tears ; 
Banish all your guilty fears. 

See your guilt and care remove, 
Cancell'd by redeeming love. 

4 Ye, alas ! who long have been 
Willing slaves of death and sin ! 
Now from bliss no longer rove ; 
Stop, and taste redeeming love. 

5 Christ subdu'd th' infernal powers; 
His tremendous foes, and ours, 
From their cursed empire drove, 
Mighty in redeeming love. 

6 Hither, then, your music bring ; 
Strike aloud the joyful string. 
Mortals ! join the host above, 
Join to praise redeeming love. 

Hymn 122. p. m. 7s. 

1 jT^ OME, said Jesus' sacred voice, 

\~S Come, and make my paths your choice : 
I will guide you to your home ! 
Weary pilgrim, hither come ! 

2 Thou, who, houseless, sole, forlorn, 
Long hast borne the proud world's scorn, 
Long hast roam'd the barren waste; 
Weary pilgrim, hither haste ! 

3 Ye, who, toss'd on beds of pain, 
Seek for ease, but seek in vain : 
Ye, whose swol'n and sleepless eyes 
Watch to see the morning rise : 

4 Ye, by fiercer anguish torn, 

Guilt, in strong remorse, who mourn : 
Here repose your heavy care : 
Conscience wounded who can bear ? 



90 OFFICE AND MEDIATION 

5 Sinner, come ! for here is found 
Balm that flows for ev'ry wound; 
Peace that ever shall endure ; 
Rest eternal, sacred, sure. 

Hymn 123. s. m. 

1 ET ev'ry ear attend, 
JLJ And ev'ry heart rejoice; 
The trumpet of the gospel sounds, 

With an inviting voice. 

2 Ho ! all ye starving souls, 

That feed upon the wind, 
And vainly strive with earthly toys 
To fill an empty mind : 

3 Here wisdom has prepar'd 

A soul-reviving feast, 
And bids your longing appetites 
The rich provision taste. 

4 Ho ! ye that pant for streams, 

And pine away and die : 
Here you may quench your raging thirst, 
With springs that never dry. 

5 Rivers of mercy here 

In a rich ocean join ; 
Salvation in abundance flows, 
Like floods of milk and wine. 

6 The gates of gospel grace 

Stand open night and day : 
Lord ! we are come to seek supplies, 
And drive our wants away. 

Hymn 124. l. m. 

1 "^lOME hither, all ye weary souls! 
\^J Ye heavy-laden sinners ! come : 



OF CHRIST. 91 

I'll give you rest from all your toils, 
And raise you to my heav'nly home." 

2 " They shall find rest, that learn of rne ; 

I'm of a meek and lowly mind : 
But passion rages like the sea, 

And pride is restless as the wind." 

3 "Bless' d is the man, whose shoulders take 

My yoke, and bear it with delight ! 
My yoke is easy to his neck ; 

My grace shall make the burden light." 

4 Jesus ! we come at thy command, 
With faith, and hope, and humble zeal ; 

Resign our spirits to thy hand, 

To mould and guide us at thy will. 

Hymn 125. l. m. 

1 gT^i OME, weary souls, with sin distrest, 
\~J Come, and accept the promis'd rest; 
The Saviour's gracious call obey, 
And cast your gloomy fears away. 

2 Oppress' d with guilt, a painful load, 
O come, and spread your woes abroad. 
Divine compassion, mighty love 
Will all the painful load remove. 

3 Here mercy's boundless ocean flows, 
To cleanse your guilt and heal your woes ; 
Pardon, and life, and endless peace ; 
How rich the gift ! how free the grace ! 

4 Lord, we accept, with thankful heart, 
The hope thy gracious words impart. 
We come with trembling, yet rejoice, 
And bless thy kind inviting voice. 

9 



92 OFFICE AND MEDIATION 

Hymn 126. v. m. 

1 r B lHE Saviour calls; let ev'ry ear 

JL Attend the heav'nly sound. 
Ye doubting souls ! dismiss your fear ; 
Hope smiles reviving round. 

2 For ev'ry thirsty longing heart, 

Here streams of bounty flow ; 
And life, and health, and bliss impart, 
To banish mortal wo. 

3 Here springs of sacred pleasure rise, 

To ease your ev'ry pain : 
Immortal fountain ! full supplies ! 
Nor shall you thirst in vain. 

4 Ye sinners! come, 'tis mercy's voice ; 

The gracious call obey. 
Mercy invites to heav'nly joys : — 
And can you yet delay? 

5 Dear Saviour ! draw reluctant hearts ; 

To thee let sinners fly ; 
And take the bliss thy love imparts, 
And drink, and never die. 

Hymn 127. c. m. 

1 f 1 1 HE King of heav'n his table spreads, 

JL And dainties crown the board. 
Not all the boasted joys of earth 
Could such delight afford. 

2 Pardon and peace to dying men, 

And endless life are giv'n ; 
And the rich blood, which Jesus shed, 
To raise the soul to heav'n. 

3 Ye hungry poor, who long have stray' d 

In sin's dark mazes, come; 



OF CHRIST. 93 



Come from the hedges and highways, 
And grace will find you room. 

4 Thousands of souls, in glory now, 

Were fed and feasted here ; 
And thousands more, still on the way, 
Around the board appear. 

5 Yet is his house and heart so large, 

That thousands more may come ; 
Nor could the wide assembling world 
O'erfill the spacious room. 

6 All things are ready : enter in, 

Nor weak excuses frame. 
Gome, take your places at the feast, 
And bless the Founder's name. 



VII 

EXAMPLE OF CHRIST. 



Hymn 128. l. m. 

1 TV/T Y dear Redeemer, and my Lord ! 
LYJL I read my duty in thy word : 
But in thy life the law appears, 
Drawn out in living characters. 

Such was thy truth, and such thy zeal, 
Such def'rence to thy Father's will, 
Thy love and meekness so divine, 
I would transcribe and make them mine, 

3 Cold mountains and the midnight air 
Witness' d the fervour of thy pray'r; 



94 EXAMPLE OF CHRIST. 

The desert thy temptations knew, 
Thy conflict, and thy vict'ry too! 

4 Be thou my pattern ; let me bear 
More of thy gracious image here. 
Then God the Judge shall own my name 
Among the fol'wers of the Lamb. 

Hymn 129. l. m. 

1 \ ND is the gospel peace and love? 
-iJL Such let our conversation be ; 
The serpent blended with the dove, 

Wisdom and meek simplicity. 

2 Whene'er the angry passions rise, 

And tempt our thoughts or tongues to strife, 
On Jesus let us fix our eyes, 

Bright pattern of the Christian life. 

3 O how benevolent and kind ! 

How mild ! how ready to forgive ! 
Be this the temper of our mind, 

And these the rules by which we live. 

4 To do his heav'nly Father's will, 

Was his employment and delight : 
Humility and holy zeal 

Shone through his life divinely bright. 

5 Dispensing good where'er he came, 

The labours of his life were love. 
If then we love the Saviour's name, 
Let his divine example move ! 



Hymn 130. c. m. 

EHOLD, where in a mortal form 
Appears each grace divine ! 
The virtues, all in Jesus met, 
With mildest radiance shine. 



B 



EXAMPLE OF CHRIST. 95 

2 To spread the rays of heav'nly light, 

To give the mourner joy, 
To preach glad tidings to the poor, 
Was his divine employ. 

3 Lowly in heart, to all his friends 

A friend and servant found, 
He wash'd their feet, he wip'd their tears, 
And heal'd each bleeding wound. 

4 ' Midst keen reproach and cruel scorn, 

Patient and meek he stood. 
His foes, ungrateful, sought his life; 
He labour' d for their good. 

5 To God he left his righteous cause, 

And still his task pursu'd; 
While humble pray'r and holy faith 
His fainting strength renew' d. 

6 In the last hours of deep distress, 

Before his Father's throne, 
With soul resign' d he bow'd, and said, 
"Thy will, not mine, be done !" 

7 Be Christ our pattern and our guide ! 

His image may we bear ! 
O may we tread his holy steps, 
His joy and glory share ! 

Hymn 131. l. m. 

1 TT7"HEN Jesus dwelt in mortal clay, 

▼ T What were his works from day to day, 
But miracles of pow'r and grace, 
Which spread salvation through our race? 

2 Teach us, O Lord ! to keep in view 
Thy pattern, and thy steps pursue. 
Let alms bestow' d, let kindness done 
Be witness' d by each rolling sun. 

9* 



96 EXAMPLE OF CHRIST. 

3 That man may last, but never lives, 
Who much receives, but nothing gives, 
Whom none can love, whom none can thank, 
Creation's blot, creation's blank. 

4 But he, who marks from day to day 
In gen'rous acts his radiant way, 
Treads the same path his Saviour trod, 
The path to glory and to God. 

Hymn 132. c. m. 

1 /^ OD of my mercy and my praise ! 
V3T Thy glory is my song; 
Though sinners speak against thy grace 

With a blaspheming tongue. 

2 When in the form of mortal man 

Thy Son on earth was found, 
With cruel slanders, false and vain, 
They compass' d him around. 

3 Their mis'ries his compassion mov'd; 

Their peace he still pursu'd: 
They render' d hatred for his love, 
And evil for his good. 

4 Their malice rag'd without a cause; 

Yet with his dying breath. 
He pray'd for murd'rers on his cross, 
And bless' d his foes in death. 

5 O may his conduct, all-divine, 

To me a model prove ! 
Like his, O God ! my heart incline 
My enemies to love. 



F 



Hymn 133. l. m. 

ATHER divine," the Saviour cried, 
While horrors press' d on ev'ry side, 



EXAMPLE OF CHRIST. 97 

And prostrate on the ground he lay, 
44 Remove this bitter cup away." 

" But if these pangs must still be borne, 
And stripes, and wounds, and cruel scorn, 
I bow my soul before thy throne, 
And say, Thy will, not mine, be done." 

Thus our submissive souls would bow, 
And, taught by Jesus, lie as low. 
Our hearts, and not our lips alone, 
Would say, " Thy will, not ours, be done." 

Then, though like him in dust we lie, 
We'll view the blissful moment nigh, 
Which, from our portion in his pains, 
Calls to the joy in which he reigns. 



VIII, 

SUFFERINGS AND DEATH OF CHRIST. 



Hymn 134. s. m. 

1 \ UTHOR of life and bliss ! 
JTJL Thy goodness I adore. 

O give me strength to speak thy praise, 
And grace to love thee more ! 

2 First for this world, so fair, 

My daily thanks shall rise : 
For ev'ry comfort, ev'ry joy, 
Thy bounteous hand supplies. 



98 SUFFERINGS AND DEATH 

3 But yet a nobler cause 

Demands my warmest love. 
Can words describe the wondrous gift 
Descending from above ? 

4 The Saviour dwelt on earth ; 

He died, that we might live ; 
Endur'd the sorrows of the cross, 
Immortal hope to give. 

5 Ah, who can tell the scorn, 

The dear Redeemer bore? 
Or who describe the mental grief, 
Which his blest bosom tore ? 

6 Low in the grave he lay, 

While darkness veil'd the skies. 
But, lo ! — he bursts the bands of death ; 
To glory see him rise ! 

7 Father ! this work is thine ; 

For us thou gav'st thy Son. 
O may we all devoted be 
And live to thee alone ! 

Hymn 135. c. m. 

1 " l\T"OW, in the hour of deep distress, 

_L1I My God, support thy Son. 
When horrors dark my soul oppress, 
O leave me not alone!" 

2 Thus did our suffering Saviour pray, 

With mighty cries and tears. 
God heard him in that dreadful day, 
And chas'd away his fears. 

3 Great was the vict'ry of his death; 

His throne exalted stands ; 
And all the nations of the earth 
Shall bow to his commands, 



OF CHRIST. 99 

4 The meek and humble souls shall see 
His table richly spread ; 
And all, that seek the Lord, shall be 
With joys immortal fed ! 

Hymn 136. l. m, 

1 ^1 OME, let our mournful songs record 
V_y The dying sorrows of our Lord, 
When he expir'd in shame and blood, 
Like one forsaken of his God. 

2 The Jews beheld him thus forlorn, 

And shook their heads, and laugh' d in scorn; 
" He rescu'd others from the grave; 
Now let him try himself to save." 

3 O harden' d people ! cruel priests ! 

How they stood round like savage beasts ! 

Like lions gaping to devour, 

When God had left him in their pow'r ! 

4 They wound his head, his hands, his feet, 
Till streams of blood each other meet ; 
By lot his garments they divide, 

And mock the pangs in which he died. 

5 But, gracious God ! thy pow'r and love 
Have made his death a blessing prove. 
Though once upon the cross he bled, 
Immortal honours crown his head. 

6 Through Christ thy Son our guilt forgive, 
And let the mourning sinner live ! 

The Lord will hear us in his name ; 
Nor shall our hope be turn'd to shame. 



T 



Hymn 137. l. m. 

WAS for our sake, eternal God, 
Thy Son sustain' d that heavy load 



100 SUFFERINGS AND DEATH 

Of base reproach and sore disgrace, 
And shame defil'd his sacred face. 

2 The Jews, his brethren and his kin, 
Abus'd him when he check' d their sin; 
While he fulfill' d thy holy laws, 
They hate him, but without a cause. 

3 Zeal for the temple of his God 
Consum'd his life, expos' d his blood; 
Reproaches at thy glory thrown 

He felt, and mourn' d them as his own. 

4 His friends forsook, his fol'wers fled, 
While foes and arms surround his head. 
They nail him to the shameful tree ; 
There hung my Lord, who died for me. 

5 But God his Father heard his cry ; 
Rais'd from the dead, he reigns on high; 
The nations learn his righteousness, 
And humble sinners taste his grace. 

Hymn 138. c. m. 

1 f ■ 1 HE Saviour, what a noble flame 

JL Was kindled in his breast, 
When, hasting to Jerusalem, 
He march' d before the rest ! 

2 Good-will to men and zeal for God 

His ev'ry thought engross; 
He longs to be baptiz'd with blood; 
He pants to reach his cross. 

3 With all his suff' rings full in view, 

And woes to us unknown, 
Forth to the task his spirit flew ; 
'Twas love that urg'd him on. 

4 Lord ! we return thee what we can, 

Our hearts shall sound abroad 



OF CHRIST. 101 



Salvation to the dying man, 
And to the rising God ! 

5 And while thy bleeding glories here 
Engage our wond'ring eyes; 
We learn our lighter cross to bear, 
And hasten to the skies. 



B 



Hymn 139. s. m. 

EHOLD th } amazing sight, 
The Saviour lifted high ! 
Behold the Son of God's delight 
Expire in agony ! 

2 For whom, for whom, my heart, 

Were all these sorrows borne ? 
Why did he feel that piercing smart, 
And meet that various scorn ? 

3 For love of us he bled, 

And all in torture died ; 
7 Twas love that bow'd his fainting head, 
And op'd his gushing side. 

4 In sympathy of love 

Let all the earth combine ; 
And, drawn by cords so gentle, prove 
The energy divine. 

5 In him our hearts unite, 

Nor share his griefs alone ; 
But from his cross pursue their flight 
To his triumphant throne. 

Hymn 140. c. m. 

1 /^1 OME, let us lift our voices high, 
\^y High as our joys arise ; 
And join the songs above the sky, 
Where pleasure never dies. 



102 SUFFERINGS AND DEATH 

2 Jesus, the Lord that fought and bled, 

How kind his smiles appear ! 
What melting, soothing words he says 
To ev'ry humble ear ! 

3 " For you, the objects of my love, 

It was for you I died. 
Behold my hands, behold my feet, 
And look into my side. 

4 " These are the wounds for you I bore, 

The tokens of my pains, 
When I was sent to free your souls 
From misery and chains." 

5 We give thee, Lord, our highest praise 

For goodness so divine. 
O may we ever feel thy grace, 
And die to ev'ry sin ! 

Hymn 141. p.m. 8 S ,7s,&4 S . 

1 T T ARK ! the voice of love and mercy 
J_ JL Sounds aloud from Calvary; 
Rending rocks the work attesting, 

Shaking earth and veiled sky. 
"It is finished!" 

Was the dying Saviour's cry. 

2 O the life, the peace, the pleasure, 

Which these charming words afford ! 
Heav'nly blessings without measure 

Flow to us through Christ the Lord. 
"Itisfinish'd!" 

Let our joyful words record. 

3 Tune your harps anew, ye seraphs ! 

Sound aloud Immanuel's name. 
All creation swell the chorus, 

Dwell on this delightful theme. 
"Itisfmish'd!" 

Glory to the worthy Lamb ! 



of christ. 103 

Hymn 142. l. m. 

1 "'WIS finished!" — so the Saviour cried, 

And meekly bow'd his head and died. 
'Tis finish' d — yes, the race is run, 
The battle fought, the vict'ry won, 

2 ' Tis finished! — all that Heav'n decreed, 
And all the ancient prophets said, 

Is now fulfill' d, as was design' d, 
In thee, the Saviour of mankind. 

3 ' Tis finish' } d ! — Aaron now no more 
Must stain his robes with purple gore. 
The sacred veil is rent in twain, 
And Jewish rites no more remain. 

4 ' Tis finished ! — man is reconcil'd 

To God, and pow'rs of darkness spoil' d. 
Peace, love, and happiness again 
Return and dwell with sinful men. 

5 'Tis finished I — let the joyful sound 
Be heard through all the nations round. 
' Tis finished I — let the echo fly 

Through heav'n and hell, through earth and sky \ 

Hymn 143, c. m. 



1 /^ OME, let us join our cheerful songs 
\*J With angels round the throne. 
Ten thousand thousand are their tongues, 

But all their joys are one. 

2 " Worthy the Lamb that died," they cry, 

" To be exalted thus." 
"Worthy the Lamb," our lips reply, 
For he was slain for us. 

3 Jesus is worthy to receive 

Honour and pow'r divine; 
10 






104 SUFFERINGS AND DEATH 

And blessings, more than we can give, 
Be, Lord ! for ever thine. 

4 Let all that dwell above the sky, 
And air, and earth, and seas, 
Conspire to lift thy glories high, 
And speak thine endless praise ! 

Hymn 144. s. m. 

1 TTOSANNAH to the Son 
JLJ_ Of David and of God, , 

Who brought the news of pardon down, 
And seal'd it with his blood ! 

2 To Christ, th' anointed King, 

Be endless blessings giv'n ! 
Let the whole earth his glory sing, 
Who made our peace with Heav'n. 

Hymn 145. l. m. 

1 XyfTORTHY is he, that once was slain, 

T ▼ The Prince of peace that groan' d and died ; 
Worthy to rise, and live, and reign, 
At his almighty Father's side. 

2 Pow'r and dominion are his due, 

Who stood condemn' d at Pilate's bar. 
Wisdom belongs to Jesus too, 

Though he was charg'd with madness here. 

3 Honour immortal must be paid, 

Instead of scandal and of scorn ; 
While glory shines about his head, 
And a bright crown without a thorn. 

4 Blessings for ever on the Lamb, 

Whose blood speaks peace to wretched men. 
Let angels sound his sacred name ; 
And ev'ry creature say, Amen. 



CHRIST, 105 

Hymn 146. c. m. 

1 \ ND are we now brought near to God, 
jLA_ Who once at distance stood ? 

And, to effect this glorious change, 
Did Jesus shed his blood? 

2 O, for a song of ardent praise, 

To bear our souls above ! 
What should allay our lively hope, 
Or damp our flaming love? 

3 Then let us join the heav'nly choirs, 

To praise our heav'nly King. 
O may that grace, which he has shown, 
Inspire us while we sing : 

4 Glory to God in highest strains, 

And to the earth be peace ! 
Good- will from heav'n to men is come, 
And let it never cease ! 



Hymn 147. c. m. 

1 T3 EHOLD the Saviour of mankind 
J3 Nail'd to the shameful tree. 
How vast the love that him inclined 

To bleed and die for thee ! 

2 Hark, how he groans ! while nature shakes, 

And earth's strong pillars bend ! 
The temple's veil in sunder breaks, 
The solid marbles bend. 

3 'Tis done! the precious ransom's paid; 

11 Receive my soul ! " he cries : 
See where he bows his sacred head ! 
He bows his head and dies ! 

4 But soon he'll break death's envious chain, 

And in full glory shine. 



106 SUFFERINGS AND DEATH 

O Lamb of God ! was ever pain, 
Was ever love like thine ! 

Hymn 148. c. m. 

1 \ LAS ! and did my Saviour bleed, 
jljL And did my Sov' reign die? 
Would he devote that sacred head 

For such a worm as I ? 

2 Well might the sun in darkness hide, 

And shut his glories in, 
When Christ, the mighty Saviour died, 
For man the creature's sin ! 

3 Thus might I hide my blushing face, 

While his dear cross appears ; 
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness, 
And melt my eyes to tears. 

4 But drops of grief can ne'er repay 

The debt of love I owe. 
Here, Lord, I give myself away : 
5 Tis all that I can do. 

Hymn 149. p. m. *. 

1 AH! see him writhe, and bleed, and die ! 
JL~Jl Give thanks, my soul, and offer praise. 
See Christ with God's command comply, 

And execute his work of grace. 
He bows his head upon the tree, 
To save, to bless, to comfort me. 

2 Great God ! the cov'nant now is seal'd ; 

The arduous work of love is done. 
Thy mercy fully stands reveal' d, 

For thou hast given us thy Son. 
What gift can ever be denied 
To those, for whom the Saviour died # / 



OF CHRIST. 107 

3 My soul upon thy word relies, 

Thy gracious message, glad, receives; 
Assur'd by such a sacrifice, 

In all thy promises believes. 
No gloomy fears my peace molest, 
Since Jesus bled to give me rest. 

4 Assist me, Lord, to keep his cross 

For ever present to my heart ; 
Like him, to count all things but loss, 

That from thy service me would part 
In virtue's cause to persevere, 
And only love what he held dear. 

5 Like Jesus, may I bear, resign' d, 

The ills of life, the wrongs of foes ; 
In hope that I may mercy find, 

Forgive the authors of my woes ; 
To reach my goal, on thorns proceed, 
From all complaints and murmurs freed. 

6 Like Jesus, may I e'en in death 

Enraptur'd say, "My Father, Friend;' 5 
Confide in thee, and yield my breath, 

Assur'd that with him I'll ascend 
To mansions of celestial joy, 
And pleasures which shall never cloy. 

7 Eternal glory, praise, to thee, 

Who sit' st supreme upon the throne I 
Salvation, honour, blessings be 

For ever given to the Son ! 
In heav'n more worthy thanks shall rise 
For his vast love and sacrifice. 



Hymn 150. l. m. 

OW let us raise our cheerful strains, 
And join the blissful choir above. 
There our exalted Saviour reigns, 

And there they sing his wondrous love. 
10* 



'N 



108 SUFFERINGS AND DEATH 

f. Jesus, who once upon the tree 
/ In agonizing pains expir'd, 
To save us rebels, — yes, 'tis he ! 

How bright, how lovely, how admir'd ! 

3 Jesus, who died that we might live, 

And rise to his own heav'nly place : 
O what returns can mortals give 
For such immeasurable grace ! 

4 Were universal nature ours, 

And art with all her boasted store; 
Nature and art, with all their pow'rs, 
Would still confess the off 'rer poor. 

5 Yet, though for bounty so divine 

We ne'er can equal honours raise : 
Jesus ! may all our hearts be thine, 

And all our tongues proclaim thy praise. 

Hymn 151. c. m. 

1 TOEHOLD the bleeding Lamb of God, 
_M3 The spotless sacrifice ! 

By hands of barb'rous sinners seiz'd, 
Nail'd to the cross he dies. 

2 Blest Jesus, whence this streaming blood? 

And whence this foul disgrace ? 
Whence all these pointed thorns that rend 
Thy amiable face ! 

3 "I sanctify myself, (he cries,) 

That thou may'st holy be. 
Come, trace my life ; come, view my death, 
And learn to copy me." 

4 Dear Lord, we pant for holiness, 

And ev'ry sin we mourn : 
To the bright path of thy commands 
Our wand' ring footsteps turn. 



OF CHRIST. 109 

5 Not more sincerely would we wish 
To climb the heav'nly hill, 
Than here with all our utmost pow'r 
Thy model to fulfil. 

Hymn 152. s. m. 

1 \ ND shall we still be slaves, 
XX. And in our fetters lie, 
When summon' d by a voice divine 

T' assert our liberty ? 

2 Did the great Saviour bleed, 

Our freedom to obtain? 
And shall we trample on his blood, 
And glory in our chain? 

3 Shall we go on to sin, 

Because thy grace abounds ; 
Or crucify the Lord again 
And open all his wounds ? 

4 Forbid it, mighty God ! 

Nor let it e'er be said, 
That those, for whom thy Son has died, 
In vice are lost and dead. 

5 The man, that durst despise 

The law that Moses brought, 
Behold ! how terribly he dies 
For his presumptuous fault. 

6 But sorer vengeance falls 

On that rebellious race, 
Who hate to hear when Jesus calls, 
And dare resist his grace. 

Hymn 153. l. m. 

1 IVfOW be that sacrifice surveyed, 

J- l Which for our souls the Saviour made, 
While love to sinners fir'd his heart, 
And conquer' d all the killing smart 



110 SUFFERINGS AND DEATH 

2 Blest Jesus, while thy grace I sing, 
What grateful tribute shall I bring, 
That earth and heav'n and all may see 
My love to him, who died for me ? 

3 That off' ring, Lord, thy word hath taught; 
Nor be thy new command forgot, 

That, if their Master's death can move, 
Thy servants should each other love. 

4 When on thy cross I fix mine eye, 
Let ev'ry savage passion die; 
And may I ever ready be 

To serve, forgive, and love like thee. 

Hymn 154, l. m. 

1 "TV]~OW let my soul with transport rise, 

AJ\ And range thro' earth and mount the skies, 
And view each various form of good, 
Where angels hold their high abode. 

2 Hath not the bounteous King of heav'n 
His chief belov'd already giv'n? 

And what shall mercy hold too good 
For sinners ransom' d with his blood? 

3 My soul, with fearless faith embrace 
The sacred cov'nant of his grace; 
With joyful hope, obedient, wait 
The issues of a love so great. 

Hymn 155. c. m. 

1 TTTARK ! 'tis our heav'nly Leader's voice, 
AX From the bright realms above ; 
Amidst the war's tumultuous rage, 

A voice of pow'r and love. 

2 " Maintain the fight, my faithful band, 

Nor fear the mortal blow ; 



OF CHRIST. Ill 

He, that in such a warfare dies, 
Shall speedy vict'ry know. 

3 "I have my days of combat seen, 

And in the dust was laid : 
But now I sit upon my throne, 
And glory crowns my head. 

4 " This throne, this glory shall be yours ; 

My hands the crown shall give ; 
And you the blest reward shall share, 
While God himself shall live." 

5 Lord ! 'tis enough; our souls are fiYd 

With courage and with love; / 

Vain are th' assaults of earth and hell ; 
Our hopes are fix'd above. 

6 We'll trace the footsteps thou hast drawn 

To triumph and renown; 
Nor shun thy combat and thy cross, 
May we but share thy crown. 

Hymn 156. l. m. 

1 FT! HE God, who once to Israel spoke 

JL From Sinai's top in fire and smoke, 
In gentler strains of gospel grace, 
Invites us now to seek his face. 

2 He wears no terrors on his brow ; 
He speaks in love from Zion now, 
It is the voice of Jesus' blood, 

That calls us wand'rers back to God. 

3 Hark ! how from Calvary it sounds, 
From the Redeemer's bleeding wounds : 
" Pardon and grace I freely give ; 
Then, sinner, look to me, and live." 



112 RESURRECTION AND 

4 What other arguments can move 

The heart, that slights a Saviour's love ? 
O may that heav'nly pow'r be felt, 
And cause the stony heart to melt ! 



IX. 

RESURRECTION AND GLORY OF CHRIST. 



Hymn 157. l. m. 

1 TTE dies, the friend of sinners dies ! 

JL JL Lo ! Salem's daughters weep around. 
A solemn darkness veils the skies ; 

A sudden trembling shakes the ground. 

2 Here's love and grief beyond degree : 

The Lord of glory dies for man ! 
But, lo ! — what sudden joys we see ! 
Jesus, the dead, revives again. 

3 The rising God forsakes the tomb : 

In vain the tomb forbids his rise. 
Cherubic legions guard him home, 
And shout him welcome to the skies. 

4 Break off your tears, ye saints, and tell 

How high our great deliv'rer reigns. 
Sing, how he spoil' d the hosts of hell, 
And led the monster, death, in chains. 

5 Say : " Live for ever, wondrous King ! 

Born to redeem, and strong to save !" 
Then ask the monster : " Where's thy sting ! 
And where's thy vict'ry, boasting grave?" 



GLORY OF CHRIST. 113 

Hymn 158. c. m. 

1 "V7~E humble souls, that seek the Lord, 

JL Chase all your fears away ; 
And bow with pleasure down to see 
The place where Jesus lay. 

2 Thus low the Lord of life was brought ! 

Such wonders love can do ! 
Thus cold in death that bosom lay, 
Which throbb'd and bled for you ! 

3 A moment give a loose to grief; 

Let grateful sorrows rise ; 
And wash the bloody stains away 
With torrents from your eyes. 

4 Then dry your tears, and tune your songs ; 

The Saviour lives again ! 
Not all the bolts and bars of death 
The Conq'ror could detain. 

5 High o'er th' angelic bands he rears 

His once dishonour' d head; 
And through unnumber'd years he reigns, 
Who dwelt among the dead. 

6 With joy like his, shall ev'ry saint 

His empty tomb survey ; 
And rise with his ascending Lord 
Through all his shining way. 

Hymn 159. p. m. 7s. 

1 {CHRIST, the Lord, is ris'n to day, 
^J Sons of men and angels say. 
Raise your joys and triumph, high ; 
Sing, ye heav'ns, and earth reply. 

2 Love's redeeming work is done ; 
Fought the fight, the battle won. 



114 RESURRECTION AND 

Lo ! our sun's eclipse is o'er. 
Lo ! he sets in blood no more. 

3 Vain the stone, the watch, the seal ! 
Christ has burst the gates of hell. 
Death in vain forbids his rise ; 
Christ has opend Paradise. 

4 Lives again our glorious King : 
Where, O death, is now thy sting ? 
Dying once, he all doth save : 
Where thy victory, O grave ? 

Hymn 160. p. m. 7s. 

1 \ NGEL, roll the rock away : 
JLJL Hallelujah ! 
Death, yield up thy mighty prey. 

See, he rises from the tomb, 
Glowing in immortal bloom. 

2 5 Tis the Saviour ! angels, raise 
Fame's eternal trump of praise. 
Let the world's remotest bound 
Hear the joy-inspiring sound. 

3 Hail ! victorious Jesus, hail ! 
On thy cloud of glory sail 

In long triumph through the sky, 
Up to waiting worlds on high. 

4 Heav'n displays her portals wide : 
Glorious hero ! through them ride. 
King of glory ! mount thy throne, 
Thy great Father's, and thine own. 

5 Hosts of heav'n, seraphic fires ! 
Raptur'd, sweep your sounding lyres. 
Sons of men ! in humbler strain 
Sing your mighty Saviour's reign. 



GLORY OF CHRIST. 115 

6 Ev'ry note with wonder swell ; 
Sin o'erthrown, and captiv'd hell ! 
Where is now, O death ! thy sting % 
Where thy terrors, vanquish' d King? 

Hymn 161. s. m. 

1 C[EE what a living stone 
£3 The builders did refuse ! 

Yet God hath built his church thereon, 
In spite of envious Jews. 

2 The work, O Lord, is thine, 

And wondrous in our eyes : 
This day declares it all divine, 
This day did Jesus rise. 

3 Since he hath left the grave, 

His promises are true; 
And each exalted hope he gave, 
Confirm' d of heav'n we view. 

4 Hosannah to the King 

Of David's royal blood! 
Bless him, ye saints ; he comes to bring 
Salvation from your God. 

5 O come the happy hour, 

When all the world shall own 
Thy Son, O God, declar'd with pow'r, 
And worship at thy throne ! 

6 We bless thy holy word, 

Which all this grace displays ; 
And offer on thine altar, Lord ! 
Our sacrifice of praise. 



Y 



Hymn 162. p. m. 

ES, the Redeemer rose; 
The Saviour left the dead ; 
11 



116 RESURRECTION AND 

And o'er our hellish foes 

High rais'd his conq'ring head. 
In wild dismay, 
The guards around 
Fall to the ground, 
And sink away. 

2 Lo ! the angelic bands 

In full assembly meet, 
To wait his high commands, 
And worship at his feet. 
Joyful they come, 
And wing their way 
From realms of day 
To Jesus' tomb. 

3 Then back to heav'n they fly, 

The joyful news to bear. 
Hark ! as they soar on high, 
What music fills the air ! 
Their anthems say : 
1 'Jesus, who bled, 
Hath left the dead; 
He rose to-day." 

4 Ye mortals, catch the sound, 

Redeem' d by him from hell; 
And send the echo round 

The globe on which you dwell. 
With Christ we rise, 
With Christ we reign, 
And empires gain 
Beyond the skies. 



3- 



Hymn 163. c. m. 

ATHER of Jesus Christ, my Lord, 
My Saviour, and my Head ! 
I trust in thee, whose pow'rful word 
Hath rais'd him from the dead. 



F 



GLORY OF CHRIST. 117 

2 Eternal life to all mankind 

Thou hast in Jesus giv'n ; 
And all who seek, through him, shall find 
The happiness of heav'n. 

3 Obedient faith, that waits on thee, 

Thou never wilt reprove; 
But thou wilt form thy Son in me, 
And perfect me in love. 

4 To thee the glory of thy pow'r 

And faithfulness I give. 
I shall in Christ, at that glad hour, 
And Christ in me shall live. 

Hymn 164 s. m. 

1 TTJLESS'D be th' eternal God, 
X> The Father of our Lord ! 
Be his abounding mercy prais'd, 

His majesty ador'd. 

2 From death he rais'd his Son, 

And call'd him to the sky ; 
And gave our souls a lively hope, 
That they should never die. 

3 What though his will requires, 

That we should see the dust : 
Since Christ, our pledge and pattern, rose, 
So all his fol'wers must. 

4 There's an inheritance 

Reserv'd against that day ; 
'Tis uncorrupted, undefil'd, 
And cannot fade away. 

Hymn 165. l. m. 

1 TTOSANNAH ! let us join to sing 
X JL The glories of our rising King; 



118 RESURRECTION AND 

Recount his victories, and tell, 
How Jesus triumph' d when he fell. 

2 Soon as the morning's earliest ray- 
Brings on the third, th' appointed day- 
Behold the angel cleave the skies, 
Roll back the stone, and Jesus rise. 

3 Ye tribes of Adam, raise the song, 
And bid angelic harps prolong 
The triumphs of that day of grace, 
Which seal'd salvation to our race. 

4 Salvation ! joy-inspiring theme ! 
Best gift of him who reigns supreme ; 
Sweet balm of ev'ry human wo, 
And source of boundless joy below. 

5 Salvation ! sons of men, record 
The glories of your rising Lord. 
The triumphs of the Saviour tell, 
Who died, and conquer' d when he fell. 

Hymn 166. l. m. 

1 T> E JOICE, ye shining worlds on high ; 
X\/ Behold the King of glory nigh ! 
Who can this King of glory be ? 

The mighty Lord, the Saviour's he. 

2 Ye heav'nly gates, your leaves display, 
To make the Lord, the Saviour, way. 
Laden with spoils from earth and hell, 
The Conq'ror comes, with God to dwell. 

3 Rais'd from the dead, he goes before, 
He opens heav'n's eternal door, 

To give his saints a blest abode, 
Near their Redeemer and their God. 



GLORY OF CHRIST. 119 

Hymn 167. c. m. 

1 TN raptures let our hearts ascend, 
JL Our heav'nly seats to view, 
And grateful trace that shining path 

Our rising Saviour drew. 

2 "Up to my Father and my God 

I go; (the Conq'ror cries) 
Up to your Father and your God, 
My brethren, lift your eyes." 

3 And doth the Lord of Glory call 

Such worms his bretnren dear % 
And doth he point to heav'n's high throne, 
And shew our Father there? 

4 And doth he teach my feeble tongue 

That tuneful sound, " my God % " - 
And breathe his spirit on my heart 
To shed his grace abroad? 

5 0/ world, produce a good like this, 

^And thou shalt have my love. 
Till then, my Father claims it all, 
And Christ who dwells above. 

Hymn 168. c. m. 

1 XJEACE, all ye sorrows of the heart, 
JL And all my tears be dry : 
That Christian's courage ne'er can sink, 

Who views his Lord on high. 

2 "I live for ever, (Jesus saith,) 

And you with me shall live; 
Receive with pleasure ev'ry pledge 
My pow'r and love can give. 

3 "Fair mansions in my Father's house 

For all his children wait ; 
11* 



120 RESURRECTION AND 

And I, your elder brother, go 
To open wide the gate. 

4 " United in eternal love, 

My fol'wers shall remain ; 
And with rejoicing hearts shall share 
The honours of my reign." 

5 Yes, Lord, thy gracious words we hear, 

And cordial joys they bring. 
Frail nature may extort a groan, 
But faith thy name shall sing. 

Hymn 169. p. m. 7s. 

1 TESUS, our triumphant Head, 
cr Ris'n victorious from the dead, 
To the realms of glory's gone, 
To ascend his rightful throne. 

2 Cherubs on the Conq'ror gaze, 
Seraphs glow with brighter blaze ; 
Each bright order of the sky 
Hails him, as he passes by. 

3 Heav'n its King congratulates, 
Opens wide her golden gates. 
Angels songs of vicfry bring; 
All the blissful regions ring. 

4 Sinners, join the heav'nly pow'rs; 
For redemption all is ours. 
Humble penitents shall prove 
Blood-bought pardon, dying love. 

£> Hail, thou dear, thou worthy Lord ! 
Holy Lamb ! incarnate word ! 
Hail, thou suffering Son of God! 
Take the trophies of thy blood. 



glory of christ. 121 

Hymn 170. l. m. 

THE Lord of life, with glory crown' d, 
On heav'n's exalted throne, 
Forgets not those, for whom on earth 
He heav'd his dying groan. 

His greatness now no tongue of man 

Or seraph bright can tell : 
Yet still the chief of all his joys, 

That souls are sav'd from hell. 

For this he taught, and toil'd, and bled; 

For this his life was giv'n ; 
For this he fought, and vanquish' d death ; 

For this he reigns in heav'n. 

Join, all ye saints beneath the sky, 

Your grateful praise to give; 
Sing loud Hosannahs to his name, 

With whom you too shall live. 

Hymn 171. l. m. 

WHERE high the heav'nly temple stands, 
The house of God not made with hand* 
A great Highpriest our nature wears, 
The guardian of our souls appears. 

His race for ever is complete, 
For ever undisturb'd his seat; 
Myriads of angels round him fly, 
And sing his well-gain' d victory. 

The Saviour and the Friend of man 
Pursues in heav'n his gracious plan; 
And, though ascended up on high, 
He bends on earth a brother's eye. 

Raise, raise, my soul, thy raptur'd sight, 
With sacred wonder and delight; 



122 RESURRECTION AND 

At God's right hand thy Saviour see, 
Enter' d within the veil for thee. 

5 With filial boldness, at the throne, 
Make all thy cares and sorrows known ; 
And ask the aids of heav'nly pow'r, 
To help thee in the evil hour. 

Hymn 172. p. m. 6s&8s. 

1 T> EJOICE, the Lord is King; 
JLV Your God and King adore. 
Mortals, give thanks and sing, 

And triumph evermore ! 
Lift up your hearts, lift up your voice, 
Rejoice aloud, ye saints, rejoice. 

2 Rejoice, the Saviour reigns; 

He reigns in truth and love. 
When he had wash'd our stains, 

He took his seat above. 
Lift up your hearts, &c. 

3 His kingdom cannot fail ; 

He rules o'er earth and heav'n; 
The keys of death and hell 

Are to our Jesus giv'n. 
Lift up, &c. 

4 He all his foes shall quell, 

Shall all our sins destroy ; 
And ev'ry bosom swell 

With pure seraphic joy. 
Lift up, &c. 

5 Rejoice in glorious hope : 

Jesus, the Judge, shall come, 
And take his servants up 

To their eternal home. 
We soon shall hear th' archangel's voice; 
The trump of God shall sound, rejoice ! 






GLORY OF CHRIST. 123 

Hymn 173. c. m. 

1 S~\ THE delights, the heav'nly joys, 
V^r The glories of the place, 
Where Jesus sheds the brightest beams 

Of his overflowing grace ! 

2 Princes to his imperial name 

Bend their bright sceptres down ; 
Dominions, thrones, and pow'rs rejoice, 
To see him wear the crown. 

3 Archangels sound his lofty praise, 

Through ev'ry heav'nly street; 
And lay their highest honours down, 
Submissive, at his feet. 

4 While angels shout and praise their King, 

Let mortals learn their strains. 
Let all the earth his honours sing; 
O'er all the earth he reigns. 

5 Now to the Lamb, that once was slain, 

Be endless blessings paid; 
Salvation, glory, joy, remain 
For ever on thy head ! 

6 Thou hast redeem' d our souls with blood, 

Hast set the pris'ners free, 
Hast made us kings and priests to God, 
And we shall reign with thee. 

Hymn 174. p. m. 8s, 7s, a* 

1/1 O ! he comes, from heav'n descending, 
I J Sent to judge both quick and dead. 
Midst ten thousand saints and angels, 
See our great exalted Head. 

Hallelujah ! 
Welcome, Welcome, Son of God ! 



124 KINGDOM AND CHURCH 

2 Full of awful expectation, 

All before the Judge appear. 
Truth and justice go before him ; 

Now the joyful sentence hear. 

Hallelujah! 
Welcome, welcome, Judge divine ! 

3 "Come, ye blessed of my Father; 

Enter into life and joy. 
Banish all your fear and sorrow ; 

Endless praise be your employ." 

Hallelujah ! 
Welcome, welcome to the skies ! 

4 Now at once they rise to glory ; 

Jesus brings them to the King. 
There, with all the hosts of heaven, 

They eternal anthems sing. 

Hallelujah! 
Boundless glory to the, Lamb ! 



X. 

KINGDOM AND CHURCH OF CHRIST, 



Hymn 175. l. m. 

Effusion of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost. 

1 d^i RE AT was the day, the joy was great, 
VlJT When the divine disciples met; 
While on their heads the Spirit came, 
And sat like tongues of cloven flame. 



OF CHRIST. 125 

2 What gifts, what miracles he gave ! 
And pow'r to kill, and pow'r to save ! 
Furnish' d their tongues with wondrous words. 
Instead of shields, and spears, and swords. 

3 Nations, the learned and the rude, 
Were by these heav'nly arms subdu'd. 
The heathens saw thy glory, Lord ! 

And, wond'ring, bless' d thy gracious word. 

4 Come the great day, the glorious hour, 
When all shall feel thy saving pow'r, 
And the whole race of man confess 
The beauty of thy holiness ! 

Hymn 176. s. m. 

1 TV/I" AKER, and so v' reign Lord 

_Lr JL Of heav'n, and earth, and seas ! 
Thy providence confirms thy word, 
And answers thy decrees. 

2 Why did the Gentiles rage, 

And Jews, with one accord, 
Bend all their counsels to destroy 
Th' anointed of the Lord? 

3 Rulers and kings agree 

To form a vain design ; 
Against the Lord their pow'rs unite, 
Against his Christ they join. 

4 The Lord derides their rage, 

And will support his throne. 
He, that hath rais'd him from the dead, 
Hath own'd him for his Son. 

5 He asks, and God bestows 

A large inheritance. 
Far as the earth's remotest ends, 
His kingdom shall advance. 



126 kingdom and church 

Hymn 177. l. m. 

1 TESUS shall reign, where'er the sun 
cr Does his successive journeys run; 
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore, 
Till moons shall wax and wane no more. 

2 People and realms of ev'ry tongue 
Dwell on his love with grateful song; 
And with united hearts proclaim, 
That grace and truth by Jesus came. 

3 Blessings abound where'er he reigns; 
The pris'ner leaps to lose his chains; 
The weary find eternal rest, 

And all the sons of want are blest. 

4 Where he displays his healing pow'r, 
The sting of death is known no more. 
In him the sons of Adam boast 
More blessings, than their father lost. 

Hymn 178. l. m. 

1 nn HUS God, th' eternal Father, spake 

JL To Christ his Son : "Ascend and sit 
At my right hand, till I shall make 
Thy foes submissive at thy feet. 

2 "From Zion shall thy word proceed; 

Thy word, the sceptre in thy hand, 
Shall make the hearts of rebels bleed, 
And bow their wills to thy command. 

3 " That day shall show thy pow'r is great, 

When saints shall flock with willing minds, 
And sinners crowd thy temple gate, 
Where holiness in beauty shines." 

4 O blessed pow'r! O glorious day ! 

What a large vict'ry shall ensue ! 






OF CHRIST. 127 

And converts, who thy grace obey, 
Exceed the drops of morning dew. 

Hymn 179. l. m. 

1 /^1 REAT God ! whose universal sway 
VJT The known and unknown worlds obey ; 
Extend the kingdom of thy Son, 

Till ev'ry land his laws shall own. 

2 They form to righteousness the mind, 
To all that's candid, gentle, kind ; 
Inspire with love the human breast, 
And stormy passions soothe to rest. 

3 As gentle rain on parching ground, 
His gospel sheds its influence round j 
Its grace on fainting souls distils, 
Like heav'nly dew on thirsty hills. 

4 The heathen lands, that lie beneath 
The shades of darkness and of death, 
Revive at its first dawning light, 
And deserts blossom at the sight. 

5 The saints shall flourish in his days, 
Dress' d in the robes of joy and praise; 
Peace, like a river, from his throne, 
Shall flow to nations yet unknown. 



G 



Hymn 180. c. m. 

REAT God ! the nations of the earth 
Are by creation thine ; 
And in thy works, by all beheld, 
Thy radiant glories shine. 

But, Lord, thy greater love has sent 

Thy gospel to mankind, 
Unveiling what rich stores of grace 

Are treasur'd in thy mind. 
12 



128 KINGDOM AND CHURCH 

3 Lord ! when shall these glad tidings spread 

The spacious earth around, 
Till ev'ry tribe, and ev'ry soul 
Shall hear the joyful sound % 

4 O when shall Afric's sable sons 

Enjoy the heav'nly word, 
And vassals long-enslav'd become 
The freemen of the Lord? 

5 When shall th' untutor'd heathen tribes, 

A dark bewilder' d race, 
Sit down at our Immanuel's feet, 
And learn and feel his grace? 

6 Haste, sov' reign mercy, and transform 

Their cruelty to love ; 
Soften the tiger to a lamb, 
The vulture to a dove. 

7 Smile, Lord, on each divine attempt 

To spread the gospel's rays ; 
And build, on sin's demolish' d throne, 
The temples of thy praise. 

Hymn 181. s. m. 

1 ^1 REAT God ! arise and shine, 
vJT With beams of heav'nly light ; 
From this dark world of sin dispel 

The long and doleful night. 

2 No more may idols share 

The honours due to thee : 
May ev'ry nation know thy name, 
And thy salvation see. 

3 No more may malice dare 

To lift her iron rod ; 
No longer shed the blood of saints, 
And plead a zeal for God. 



OF CHRIST. 129 

4 With its own native light, 

Lord, may thy gospel shine : 
May error fly like noxious mists 
Before this light divine. 

5 Whilst truth her charms reveals, 

May love each breast inspire; 
Nor one base passion ever mix, 
To quench this sacred fire. 

Hymn 182. p. m. 

Isaiah lx. 1. 

1 /~\ Zion, tune thy voice, 

V-r And raise thy hands on high ; 
Tell all the earth thy joys, 
And boast salvation nigh. 
Cheerful in God, 
Arise and shine, 
While rays divine 
Stream all abroad. 

2 He gilds thy mourning face 

With beams that cannot fade ; 
His all-resplendent grace 
He sheds upon thy head. 
The nations round 
Thy form shall view, 
With lustre new 
Divinely crown' d. 

3 In honour to his name, 

Reflect that sacred light ; 
And loud that grace proclaim, 

Which makes thy darkness bright. 
Pursue his praise, 
Till so v' reign love 
In worlds above 
The glory raise. 



130 KINGDOM AND CHURCH 

4 There, on his holy hill, 

A brighter sun shall rise, 
And with his radiance fill 
Those fairer, purer skies ; 
While round his throne 
Ten thousand stars 
In nobler spheres 
His influence own. 

Hymn 183. p. m. 

Isaiah xli. 18, 19. 

1 \ MAZING, beauteous change 
jLjL. A world created new ! 

Our thoughts with transport range, 
The lovely scene to view. 
In all we trace, 
Father divine, 
The work is thine; 
Be thine the praise ! 

2 See crystal fountains play 

Amidst the burning sands ! 
The river's winding way 

Shines through the thirsty lands ! 
New grass is seen, 
And o'er the meads 
Its carpet spreads 
Of living green. 

3 Where pointed brambles grew, 

Entwin'd with horrid thorn, 
Gay flow'rs, for ever new, 
Th' enamell'd fields adorn. 
The blushing rose, 
And lily there, 
In union fair 

Their sweets disclose. 



OF CHRIST. 131 



4 Where the bleak mountain stood, 

All bare and disarray' d, 
See the wide-branching wood, 
Diffuse its grateful shade ! 
Tall cedars nod, 
And oaks and pines, 
And elms and vines 
Confess the God. 

5 The tyrants of the plain 

Their savage chase give o'er; 
No more they rend the slain, 
And thirst for blood no more ; 
But infant hands 
Fierce tigers stroke, 
And lions yoke 
In flow'ry bands. 

6 O when, almighty Lord, 

Shall these glad scenes arise, 
To verify thy word, 

And bless our wond'ring eyes? 
That earth may raise, 
With all her tongues, 
United songs 
Of ardent praise. 



XI. 

THE INFLUENCE OF GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT. 



Hymn 184. l. m. 

OME, gracious Spirit, heav'nly Dove, 
With light and comfort from above. 
Be thou our guardian, thou our guide ; 
O'er ev'ry thought and step preside. 

12* 



a c 



■G 



132 THE INFLUENCE OF 

2 Conduct us safe, conduct us far 
From ev'ry sin and hurtful snare; 
Lead to thy word that rules must give, 
And teach us lessons how to live. 

3 The light of truth to us display, 

That we may know and love thy way; 

Plant holy fear in ev'ry heart, 

That we from thee may ne'er depart. 

4 Lead us to righteousness, the road 
That we must take, to dwell with God ; 
Lead us to heav'n, the seat of bliss, 
Where pleasure in perfection is. 

Hymn 185. c. m. 

OME, holy Spirit, heav'nly Dove, 
With all thy quick' ning pow'rs; 
Kindle a flame of sacred love 
In these cold hearts of ours. 

See, how we grovel here below, 

Fond of these earthly toys ! 
Our souls, how heavily they go, 

To reach eternal joys ! 

Dear Lord ! and shall we always live 

At this poor, dying rate? 
Our love so cold, so faint to thee, 

And thine to us so great? 

Come, holy Spirit, heav'nly Dove, 
With all thy quick' ning pow'rs. 

Come, shed abroad a Saviour's love, 
And that shall kindle ours. 

Hymn 186. s. m. 

1 rilHINE influence, Lord! is felt 
JL Through nature's ample round. 
In heav'n, on earth, through air and skies, 
Thine energy is found. 



god's holy spirit. 133 

2 Let others, swell' d with pride, 

Of wisdom make their boasts : 
Our wisdom and our strength must come 
From thee, the Lord of hosts, 

3 Father ! thy Spirit grant, 

To guide our doubtful way. 
Thy truth shall scatter ev'ry cloud, 
And make a glorious day. 

4 Supported by thy grace, 

We'll do and bear thy will. 
That grace shall make each burden light, 
And ev'ry murmur still. 

5 Cheer' d by thy smiles, we'll tread 

The gloomy path of death ; 
And, with the hope of endless bliss, 
Resign to thee our breath. 

Hymn 187. p. m. 

1 1%/TARK the soft falling snow, 
-It JL And the descending rain : 
To heav'n, from whence it fell, 

It turns not back again ; 
But waters earth 
Through ev'ry pore, 
And calls forth all 
Her secret store. 

2 Array' d in beauteous green, 

The hills and valleys shine; 
And man and beast are fed 
By providence divine. 
The harvest bows 
Its golden ears, 
The copious seed 
Of future years. 



134 THE INFLUENCE OF 

3 "So," saith the God of grace, 
« My gospel shall descend, 
Almighty to effect 
The purpose I intend. 
Millions of souls 
Shall feel its pow'r, 
And hear it down 
To millions more," 

Hymn 188. s. m. 

1 Y 1 1 God the only wise, 

JL Our Saviour and our King, 
Let all the saints below the skies 
Their humble praises bring. 

2 'Tis his almighty love, 

His counsel and his care, 
Preserves us safe from sin and death, 
And ev'ry hurtful snare. 

3 He will present our souls 

Unblemish'd and complete, 
Before the glory of his face, 
With joys divinely great. 

4 Then all his faithful sons 

Shall meet around the throne, 
Shall bless the conduct of his grace, 
And make his wonders known. 

5 To our Redeemer, God, 

Wisdom and pow'r belongs, 
Immortal crowns of majesty, 
. And everlasting songs. 

Hymn 189. c. m. 

1 TV/iT Y hope, my portion, and my God, 
J_Y JL How little art thou known 
By all the judgments of thy rod, 
And blessings of thy throne ! 



GODS HOLY SPIRIT. 135 

2 How cold and feeble is my love ! 

How negligent my fear ! 
How low my hope of joys above ! 
How few affections there ! 

3 Great God ! thy gracious aid impart, 

To give thy word success. 
Write thy salvation in my heart, 
That I may learn thy grace. 

4 Shew my forgetful feet the way 

That leads to joys on high. 
There knowledge grows without decay, 
And love shall never die. 



F 



Hymn 190. c. m. 

OR ever blessed be the Lord, 
My Saviour and my shield ! 
He sends his Spirit with his word, 
To arm me for the field. 

2 When all my foes their force unite, 

He makes my soul his care; 
Instructs me in the heav'nly fight, 
And guards me through the war. 

3 A friend and helper so divine 

My fainting hope shall raise. 
He makes the glorious vict'ry mine, 
And his shall be the praise. 

Hymn 191. c. m. 

1 \ RE not thy mercies sov' reign still, 
±\- And thou a faithful God ? 

Wilt Jiou not grant me warmer zeal, 
Td run the heav'nly road 1 

2 I need the influence of thy grace, 

To speed me in thy way ; 



136 THE INFLUENCE OF 

Lest I should loiter in my race, 
Or turn my feet astray. 

3 Does not my heart thy precepts love, 

And long to see thy face? 
And yet how slow my spirits move, 
Without enliv'ning grace ! 

4 Then shall I love thy gospel more, 

And ne'er forget thy word, 
When I have felt its quick' ning pow 7 r, 
To draw me near the Lord. 

Hymn 192. p. m. &. 

1 T^ TERNAL Spirit, source of light, 
.■ A Enliv'ning, consecrating fire, 
Descend, and, with celestial heat, 

Our dull, our frozen hearts inspire ; 
Our souls refine, our dross consume; 
Come, condescending Spirit, come ! 

2 In our cold breasts, O strike a spark 

Of that pure flame which seraphs feel ; 
Nor let us wander in the dark, 

Or lie benumb' d and stupid still. 
Come, vivifying Spirit, come ! 
And make our hearts thy constant home. 

3 Let pure devotion's fervours rise! 

Let ev'ry pious passion glow ! 
O let the raptures of the skies 

Kindle in our cold hearts below. 
Come, purifying Spirit, come, 
And make our souls thy constant home ! 

Hymn 193. s. m. 

1 jTi OD, who is just and kind, 
VJT Will those who err instruct, 
And to the paths of righteousness, 
Their wand' ring steps conduct. 



god's holy spirit. 137 

2 The humble soul he guides, 

Teaches the meek his way ; 
Kindness and truth he shows to all, 
Who him in truth obey. 

3 Give me the tender heart, 

That mixes fear with love ; 
And lead me through whatever path 
Thy wisdom shall approve. 

4 O ever keep my soul 

From error, shame, and guilt ; 
Nor suffer the fair hope to fail, 
Which on thy truth is built. 

Hymn 194. l. m. 

1 IT) RAISE to the Lord of boundless might, 
XT With uncreated glories bright ! 

His presence gilds the worlds above, 
Th' unchanging source of life and love. 

2 "Let there be light," Jehovah said; 
And light o'er all the earth was spread. 
Nature, array' d in charms unknown, 
Gay with its new-born lustre, shone. 

3 He sees the mind, when lost it lies 
In shades of ignorance and vice ; 
And darts from heav'n a vivid ray, 
And changes midnight into day. 

4 Shine, mighty God, with vigour shine 
On this benighted heart of mine ; 
There be thy brighter beams reveal' d, 
As in the Saviour's face beheld. 

5 Thine image, on my soul impress' d, 
In radiant lines shall stand confess' d; 
While all my faculties unite 

To praise the Lord who gives me light. 



138 THE INFLUENCE OF 

Hymn 195. l. m. 

1 O URE the blest Comforter is nigh, 
1^3 'Tis he sustains my fainting heart; 
Else would my hope for ever die, 

And ev'ry cheering ray depart. 

2 When some kind promise glads my soul, 

Do I not find his healing voice 
The tempest of my fears control, 
And bid my drooping pow'rs rejoice? 

3 What less than thine almighty word 

Can raise my heart from earth and dust, 
And bid me cleave to thee, my Lord£ 
My life, my treasure, and my trust ? 

1 And when my cheerful hope can say, 
"I love my God and taste his grace;" 
Lord, is it not thy blissful ray, 

Which brings this dawn of sacred peace ? 

5 Let thy kind Spirit in my heart 
For ever dwell, O God of love ; 
And light and heavenly peace impart, 
Sweet earnest of the joys above. 

Hymn 196. l. m. 

1 \ MIDST a world of hopes and fears, 
jljL A world of cares, and toils, and tears, 
Where foes alarm, and dangers threat, 
And pleasures kill, and glories cheat: 

2 Send down, O Lord ! a heav'nly ray 
To guide me in the doubtful way ; 
And o'er me hold thy shield of pow'r, 
To guard me in the dang'rous hour. 

3 Teach me the flatt'ring paths to shun, 
In which the thoughtless many run, 



god's holy spirit. 139 

Who for a shade the substance miss, 
And grasp their ruin in their bliss. 

4 May never pleasure, wealth, or pride, 
Allure my wand' ring soul aside; 
But through this maze of mortal ill, 
Safe lead me to thy heav'nly hill. 

Hymn 197. l. m. 

1 r 1 1 EACH me, O teach me, Lord ! thy way ; 

JL That, to my life's remotest day, 
By thine unerring precepts led, 
My feet thy heav'nly paths may tread. 

2 Inform' d by thee, with sacred awe 
My heart shall meditate thy law ; 
And, with celestial wisdom fill'd, 
To thee a pure obedience yield. 

3 Give me to know thy will aright, 
Thy will, my glory and delight : 
That, rais'd above the world, my mind 
In thee its highest good may find. 

4 O turn from vanity mine eye; 

To me thy quick'ning strength supply j 
And with thy promis'd mercy cheer 
A heart devoted to thy fear. 



Hymn 198. c. m. 

THAT the Lord would guide my ways, 
To keep his statutes still ! 
O that my God would grant me grace, 
To know and do his will ! 



o 



2 Order my footsteps by thy word, 
And make my heart sincere ; 
Let sin have no dominion, Lord, 
But keep my conscience clear 
13 



140 THE SCRIPTURES 

3 Assist my soul, too apt to stray, 

A stricter watch to keep; 
And, should I e'er forget thy way, 
Restore thy wand' ring sheep. 

4 Make me to walk in thy commands; 

'Tis a delightful road : 
Nor let my head, or heart, or hands, 
Offend against my God. 



XII. 

THE SCRIPTURES. 



Hymn 199. s. m. 

1 T>EHOLD ! the morning sun 
_D Begins his glorious way ; 

His beams through all the nations run. 
And life and light convey. 

2 But where the gospel comes, 

It spreads diviner light; 
It calls dead sinners from their tombs, 
And gives the blind their sight. 

3 How perfect is thy word ! 

And all thy judgments just ! 
For ever sure thy promise, Lord, 
And men securely trust. 

4 My gracious God ! how plain 

Are thy directions giv'n ! 
O may I never read in vain, 
But find the path to heav'n ! 



I 



THE SCRIPTURES. 141 

Hymn 200. p. m. &. 

LOVE the volumes of thy word : 
What light and joy those leaves afford 
To souls benighted and distrest ! 
Thy precepts guide my doubtful way; 
Thy fear forbids my feet to stray ; 
Thy promise leads my heart to rest. 

From the disco v'ries of thy law, 
The perfect rules of life I draw ; 

These are my study and delight : 
Not honey so invites the taste, 
Nor gold that hath the furnace pass'd 

Appears so pleasing to the sight. 

Thy threat' nings wake my slumb'ring eyes, 
And warn me where my danger lies ; 

But 'tis thy blessed gospel, Lord, 
That makes my guilty conscience clean, 
Converts my soul, subdues my sin, 

And gives a free, but large reward. 

Who knows the errors of his thoughts? 
My God ! forgive my secret faults, 

And from presumptuous sins restrain. 
Accept my poor attempts of praise, 
That I have read thy book of grace 

And book of nature not in vain. 



B 



Hymn 201. s. m. 

EHOLD ! the lofty sky 
Declares its Maker God ; 
And all his starry works on high 
Proclaim his pow'r abroad. 

The darkness and the light 

Still keep their course the same ; 

While night to day, and day to night, 
Divinely teach his name. 



142 THE SCRIPTURES. 

3 Ye Christian lands rejoice ; 

Here he reveals his word : 
We are not left to nature's voice, 
To bid us know the Lord. 

4 His statutes and commands 

Are set before our eyes ; 
He puts his gospel in our hands, 
Where our salvation lies. 

5 His laws are just and pure, 

His truth without deceit, 
His promises for ever sure, 
And his rewards are great. 

6 While of thy works I sing, 

Thy glory to proclaim ; 
Accept the praise, my God, my King, 
In my Redeemer's name. 

Hymn 202. c. m. 

IT" ET all the heathen writers join, 
JlJ To form one perfect book : 
Great God ! if once compar'd with thine, 
How mean their writings look ! 

2 Not the most perfect rules they gave 

Could shew one sin forgiv'n, 
Nor lead a step beyond the grave : 
But thine conduct to heav'n. 

3 Lord, I have made thy word my choice, 

My lasting heritage ; 
There shall my noblest pow'rs rejoice, 
My warmest thoughts engage. 

4 I'll read the hist'ries of thy love, 

And keep thy laws in sight, 
While through thy promises I rove 
With ever fresh delight. 






THE SCRIPTURES 143 

5 'Tis a broad land of wealth unknown, 
Where springs of life arise, 
Seeds of immortal bliss are sown, 
And hidden glory lies. 

Hymn 203. c. m. 

1 T ET av'rice, borne from shore to shore, 

I 1 Her fav'rite god pursue : 
Thy word, O Lord, we value more 
Than India or Peru. 

2 Here mines of knowledge, love, and joy, 

Are open'd to our sight; 
The purest gold without alloy, 
And gems divinely bright. 

3 The counsels of redeeming grace 

These sacred leaves unfold; 
And here the Saviour's lovely face 
Our raptur'd eyes behold. 

4 Here light, descending from above, 

Directs our doubtful feet ; 
Here promises of heav'nly love 
Our ardent wishes meet. 

5 Our num'rous griefs are here redrest, 

And all our wants supplied : 
Nought we can ask to make us blest 
Is in this book denied. 

6 For these inestimable gains, 

That so enrich the mind, 
O may we search with eager pains, 
Assur'd that we shall find ! 



Hymn 204. c. m. 

ATHER of mercies, in thy word 
What endless glory shines ! 
For ever be thy name ador'd 
For these celestial lines. 
13* 



F 



144 THE SCRIPTURES. 

2 Here may the wretched sons of want 

Exhaustless riches find; 
Riches, above what earth can grant, 
And lasting as the mind. 

3 Here the fair tree of knowledge grows, 

And yields a free repast; 
Sublimer sweets than nature knows 
Invite the longing taste. 

4 Here the Redeemer's welcome voice 

Spreads heav'nly peace around ; 
And life and everlasting joys 
Attend the blissful sound. 

5 O may these heav'nly pages be 

My ever dear delight ; 
And still new beauties may I see, 
And still increasing light ! 

6 Divine Instructor, gracious Lord ! 

Be thou for ever near. 
Teach me to love thy sacred word, 
And view my Saviour there. 

Hymn 205. l. m. 

1 '|jl AR hence, each superstition vain, 
JO Wild offspring of the human brain ! 
The truths, that fill thy hallow' d page, 

My happier choice, great God ! engage. 

2 O ever faithful to thy word, 

Do thou thy vital strength afford ; 
Thy help impart, eternal Sire ! 
Nor let my hope in shame expire. 

3 Sustain' d by thine almighty aid, 

What danger shall my soul invade? 
Nor error's cloud, nor arts of sin 
My soul from thine obedience win. 



THE SCRIPTURES. 145 

Hymn 206. c. m. 

1 TTOW precious is the book divine, 
11 By inspiration giv'n ! 

Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine, 
To guide our souls to heav'n. 

2 It sweetly cheers our drooping hearts 

In this dark vale of tears ; 
Life, light, and joy, it still imparts, 
And quells our rising fears. 

3 This Lamp, through all the tedious night 

Of life, shall guide our way, 
Till we behold the clearer light 
Of an eternal day. 

Hymn 207. c. m. 

1 "V¥7"HAT glory gilds the sacred page, 

▼ ? Majestic like the sun ! 
It gives a light to ev'ry age ; 
It gives, but borrows none. 

2 The hand, that gave it, still supplies 

His gracious light and heat. 
His truths upon the nations rise; 
They rise, but never set. 

3 Let everlasting thanks be thine, 

For such a bright display, 
As makes a world of darkness shine 
With beams of heav'nly day. 

4 My soul rejoices to pursue 

The paths of truth and love, 
Till glory breaks upon my view 
In brighter worlds above. 

Hymn 208. c. m. 



'L 4 , 



ADEN with guilt, and full of fears 
fly to thee, my Lord; 



146 THE SCRIPTURES. 

And not a ray of hope appears, 
But in thy written word. 

2 The volume of my Father's grace 

Does all my grief assuage ; 
Here I behold my Saviour's face 
Almost in ev'ry page. 

3 This is the field, where hidden lies 

The pearl of price unknown; 
That merchant is divinely wise, 
Who makes the pearl his own. 

4 This is the judge, that ends the strife, 

Where wit and reason fail ; 
My guide to everlasting life, 
Through all this gloomy vale. 

5 O may thy counsels, mighty God ! 

My roving feet command ; 
Nor I forsake the happy road, 
That leads to thy right hand ! 



G 



Hymn 209. l. m. 

OD, in the gospel of his Son, 
Makes his eternal counsels known : 
Tis here his richest mercy shines, 
And truth is drawn in fairest lines. 

Wisdom its dictates here imparts, 
To form our minds, to cheer our hearts ; 
Its influence makes the sinner live, 
It bids the drooping saint revive. 

Our raging passions it controls, 
And comfort yields to contrite souls; 
It brings a better world in view, 
And guides us all our journey through. 

May this blest volume ever lie 

Close to my heart, and near mine eye ; 



THE SCRIPTURES. 147 

Till life's last hour my soul engage, 
And be my chosen heritage ! 

Hymn 210. l. m. 

1 ' r 1 1 WAS by an order from the Lord, 

JL The ancient prophets spoke his word ! 
His spirit did their tongues inspire, 
And warm'd their hearts with heav'nly fire. 

2 The works and wonders, which they wrought, 
Confirm' d the messages they brought. 

The prophet's pen succeeds his breath, 
To save the holy words from death. 

3 Great God ! mine eyes with pleasure look 
On the dear volume of thy book ; 

There my Redeemer's face I see, 
And read his name who died for me. 

4 Let the false raptures of the mind 
Be lost, and vanish in the wind. 
Here I can fix my hope secure : 
This is thy word, and must endure. 



XIII. 

SUPPLICATION FOR THE DIVINE FA- 
VOUR AND ASSISTANCE. 



Hymn 211. c. m. 

FATHER of all! eternal mind! 
Immensely good and great ! 
Thy children, form'd and bless' d by thee, 
Approach thy heav'nly seat. 



148 SUPPLICATION FOR THE 

2 Thy name in hallow 7 d strains be sung: 

We join the solemn praise ; 
To thy great name, with heart and tongu 
Our cheerful homage raise. 

3 Thy mild, thy wise, and righteous reign, 

Let ev'ry being own : 
And in our minds, thy work divine, 
Erect thy gracious throne. 

4 As angels in the heav'nly worlds 

Thy bless' d commands fulfil ; 
So may thy creatures here below 
Perform thy holy will. 

5 On thee we day by day depend : 

Our daily wants supply ; 
With truth and virtue feed our souls, 
That they may never die. 

6 Extend thy grace to ev'ry fault; 

Oh ! let thy love forgive. 
Teach us divine forgiveness too, 
Nor let resentments live. 

7 Where tempting snares bestrew the way, 

Permit us not to tread ; 
Or turn all real evil far 
From our unguarded head. 

8 Thy sacred name we would adore 

With cheerful, humble mind ; 
And praise thy goodness, pow'r, and truth, 
Eternal, unconfin'd ! 

Hymn 212. c. m. 

1 \ UTHOR of good ! we rest on thee : 
-ZjL Thine ever-watchful eye 
Alone our real wants can see, 
Thy hand alone supply. 



DIVINE FAVOUR, &C. 149 

2 Oh ! let thy pow'r within us dwell. 

Thy love our footsteps guide ! 
That love shall vainer loves expel, 
That fear all fears beside. 

3 And since, by passion's force subdu'd, 

Too oft, with stubborn will, 

We blindly shun the latent good 

And grasp the specious ill : 

4 Not what we wish, but what we want, 

Let mercy still supply : 
The good, unask'd, let mercy grant, 
The ill, though ask'd, deny. 

Hymn 213. c. m. 

1 /^W GOD of Jacob, by whose hand 
V>r Thy people still are fed ; 
Who, through,his weary pilgrimage, 

Hast all our fathers led ! 

2 To thee our humble vows we raise, 

To thee address our pray'r; 
And in thy kind and faithful breast 
Deposit all our care. 

3 Through each perplexing path of life 

Our wand 7 ring footsteps guide; 
Give us by day our daily bread, 
And raiment fit provide. 

4 O ! spread thy cov'ring wings around, 
Till all our wand' rings cease; 

And at our fathers' lov'd abode 
Our souls arrive in peace ! 

> To thee, as to our cov'nant-God, 
We'll our whole selves resign ; 
And thankful own, that all we are, 
And all we have, is thine. 



150 SUPPLICATION FOR THE 

Hymn 214. c. m. 

1 "Tjjl ATHER of all ! whose cares extend 
JO To earth's remotest shore : 
Through ev'ry age let praise ascend, 

And ev'ry clime adore. 

2 If I am right, thy grace impart, 

Still in the right to stay : 
If I am wrong, O teach my heart, 
To find that better way ! 

3 What conscience dictates to be done, 

Or warns me not to do : 
This, teach me more than hell to shun; 
That, more than heav'n pursue. 

4 Save me alike from foolish pride, 

Or impious discontent 
At aught thy wisdom has deny'd, 
Or aught thy goodness lent. 

5 Let not this weak unknowing hand 

Presume thy bolts to throw, 
And deal damnation round the land, 
On each I judge thy foe. 

6 Teach me to feel another's wo, 

To hide the fault I see. 
That mercy I to others show, 
That mercy show to me. 

7 This day be bread and peace my lot : — 

All else beneath the sun, 
Thou know' st if best bestow' d or not; 
And let thy will be done. 

8 To thee, whose temple is all space; 

Whose altar, earth, sea, skies : 
One chorus let all beings raise, 
All nature's incense rise ! 



DIVINE FAVOUR, &C. 151 

Hymn 215. s. m. 

1 \ LMIGHTY Lord of all ! 
_/jL Of life the only spring ! 
Creator of unnumber'd worlds! 

Supreme, eternal King ! 

2 Preserve me from deceit, 

Impenitence, and pride ; 
Nor let me in forbidden paths, 
With thoughtless sinners, glide. 

3 What thine unerring eye 

Sees for thy creature fit : 
I'll bless the good, and to the ill 
Contentedly submit. 

4 With pleasure let me view 

The prosp'rous and the great; 
Malignant envy let me fly, 
And odious self-conceit. 

5 Let no despair, revenge, 

Be to my bosom known : 
Oh ! give me tears for others' woes, 
And patience for my own. 

6 Feed me with needful food : 

I ask not wealth or fame. 
Give me an eye to see thy will, 
A heart to bless thy name. 

7 Still let my days be pass'd 

Without remorse or care ; 
And growing holiness my soul 
For life's last hour prepare ! 



F 



Hymn 216. c. m. 

ATHER of mercies ! God of love ! 
My father and my God ! 
14 



152 SUPPLICATION FOR THE 

I'll sing the honours of thy name, 
And spread thy praise abroad. 

2 In ev'ry period of my life, 

Thy thoughts of love appear : 
Thy mercies gild the transient scene, 
And crown each passing year. 

3 In all these mercies may my soul 

A Father's bounty see; 
Nor let the gifts thy grace bestows, 
Estrange my heart from thee. 

4 Teach me, in times of deep distress 

To own thy hand, O God ! 
And in submissive silence hear 
The lessons of thy rod. 

5 Through ev'ry changing state of life, 

Each bright, each clouded scene, 
Give me a meek and humble mind, 
Still equal and serene. 

6 Then may I close mine eyes in death, 

Free from all anxious fear : 
For death itself is life, my God ! 
If thou art with me there. 

Hymn 217. c. m. 

1 f | lO thee, O God! my pray'r ascends, 

JL Bat not for golden stores; 
Nor covet I the brightest gems 
On the rich eastern shores : — 

2 Nor that deluding empty joy 

Men call a mighty name, 
Nor greatness with its pride and state, 
My restless thoughts inflame : — 

3 Nor pleasure's fascinating charms 

My fond desires allure : 



DIVINE FAVOUR, &C. 153 

But nobler things than these, from thee, 
My wishes would secure. 

4 The faith and hope of joys to come 

My best affections move ; 
Thy light, thy favour, and thy smiles, 
Thine everlasting love. 

5 These are the blessings I desire : 

Lord, be these blessings mine ! 
And all the glories of the world 
I cheerfully resign. 

Hymn 218. c. m. 

1 1%/TY God, my portion, and my love ! 
J_tJL My everlasting all ! 

I've none but thee in heav'n above, 
Or on this earthly ball. 

2 In vain the bright meridian sun 

Scatters his feeble light : 
Thy brighter beams create my noon; 
If thou withdraw, 'tis night. 

3 And while upon my restless bed, 

Amongst the shades I roll ; 

If God his light around me shed, 

? Tis morning with my soul. 

4 To thee I owe my wealth and friends, 

And health, and safe abode. 
Thanks to thy name for meaner things ; 
But they are not my God. 

5 If I possess' d the spacious earth, 

And call'd the stars my own : 
Without thy mercy and thy love, 
I were a wretch undone. 

6 Let others stretch their arms like seas, 

And grasp in all the shore : 



154 SUPPLICATION FOR THE 

Grant me to see thy blissful face, 
And I desire no more ! 

Hymn 219. c. m. 

1 d^i OD, my supporter and my hope, 
\JT My help for ever near ! 
Thine arm of mercy holds me up, 

And saves me from despair. 

2 Thy counsels, Lord ! shall guide my feet 

Through this dark wilderness ; 
Thy hand conduct me near thy seat, 
To dwell before thy face. 

3 What if the springs of life were broke, 

And flesh and heart should faint ? 
God is my soul's eternal rock, 
The strength of ev'ry saint. 

4 Behold, the sinners, that remove 

Far from thy presence, die : 
Not all the idol-gods they love 
Can save them, when they cry. 

5 But to draw near to thee, my God ! 

Shall be my sweet employ. 
My tongue shall sound thy works abroad, 
And tell the world my joy. 

Hymn 220. l. m. 

1 /^1 RE AT God, indulge my humble claim : 
vH~ Be thou my hope, my joy, my rest ! 
The glories, that compose thy name, 

Stand all engag'd to make me blest. 

2 Thou great and good, thou just and wise, 
Thou art my Father and my God ! 
And I am thine by sacred ties, 

Thy child and servant, bought with blood. 



DIVINE FAVOUR, &C. 155 



3 With heart and eyes and lifted hands, 

For thee I long, for thee I look, 
As travellers in thirsty lands 

Pant for the cooling water-brook. 

4 E'en life itself without thy love, 

No lasting pleasure can afford : 
Yea, 'twould a tiresome burden prove, 
If I were banish' d from thee, Lord. 

5 I'll lift my hands, I'll raise my voice, 

While I have breath to pray or praise. 
This work shall make my heart rejoice, 
Throughout the remnant of my days. 

Hymn 221. l. m. 

1 /^V THOU, to whose all-searching sight, 
V^r The darkness shineth as the light ! 
Search, prove my heart ; it pants for thee : 
O burst these bonds, and set it free. 

2 Wash out its stains, refine its dross ; 
Nail my affections to the cross ; 
Hallow each thought ; let all within 
Be clean, as thou, my Lord, art clean. 

3 If in this darksome wild I stray, 
Be thou my light, be thou my way. 
No foes, no violence I fear, 

No fraud, while thou, my God, art near. 

4 When rising floods my soul o'erflow, 
When sinks my heart in waves of wo ; 
Saviour, thy timely aid impart, 

And raise my head, and cheer my heart. 

5 If rough and thorny be the way, 
My strength proportion to my day ; 
Till toil, and grief, and pain shall cease, 
Where all is calm and joy and peace. 

14* 



156 supplication for the 
Hymn 222. l. m. 

1 T>ESET with snares on ev'ry hand, 
JD In life's uncertain path I stand : 
Father divine ! diffuse thy light, 

To guide my doubtful footsteps right. 

2 Engage this frail, this wav'ring heart, 
Wisely to choose the better part ; 

To scorn the trifles of a day, 
For joys that never fade away. 

3 Then let the wildest storms arise; 
Let tempests mingle earth and skies : 
No fatal shipwreck shall I fear, 

But all my treasures with me bear. 

4 If thou, my Father ! still be nigh, 
Cheerful I live, and joyful die ; 
Secure, when mortal comforts flee, 
To find ten thousand worlds in thee. 

Hymn 223. c. m. 

1 TV/TY God, the visits of thy face 
JL X JL Afford superior j oy 
To all the flatf ring world can give, 
Or mortal hopes employ. 
% But clouds and darkness intervene, 
My brightest joys decline ; 
And earth's gay trifles oft ensnare 
This wand' ring heart of mine. 

3 Lord, guide this wand' ring heart to thee: 

Unsatisfy'd I stray; 
Break through the shades of sense and sin 
With thy enliv'ning ray. 

4 O let thy beams resplendent shine, 

And ev'ry cloud remove: 
Transform my pow'rs, and fit my soul 
For happier scenes above- 



DIVINE FAVOUR, &C. 157 

5 Lord, raise my faith, my hope, my heart, 

To those transporting joys ; 
Then shall I scorn each little snare, 
Which this vain world employs. 

6 Then, though I sink in death's cold sleep, 

To life I shall awake; 
And, in the likeness of my God, 
Of heav'nly bliss partake. 

Hymn 224. l. m. 

IN vain my roving thoughts would find 
A portion worthy of the mind : 
On earth my soul can never rest, 
For earth can never make me blest. 

2 Can lasting happiness be found, 
Where seasons roll their hasty round, 
And days and hours with rapid flight 
Sweep cares and pleasures out of sight? 

3 Arise, my thoughts ! my heart arise ! 
Leave this vain world, and seek the skies : 
There joys for evermore shall last, 
When seasons, days, and hours are past. 

4 Thy mercy, Lord, to me impart : 

O raise my thoughtless, wand' ring heart 
To pleasures perfect and sublime, 
Unmeasur'd by the wings of time. 

5 Let those bright worlds of endless joy 
My thoughts, my hopes, my cares employ. 
No more, ye restless passions, roam : 
God is my bliss, and heav'n my home. 



158 THE DANGER AND 

XIV. 

THE DANGER AND MISERY OF SIN, 



Hymn 225. l. m. 

1 "IV/ff" AN has a soul of vast desires ; 

JLf JL He burns within with restless fires. 
Toss'd to and fro, his passions fly 
From vanity to vanity. 

2 In vain on earth we hope to find 
Some solid good to fill the mind ; 
We try new pleasures, but we feel 
The inward thirst and torment still. 

3 So, when a raging fever burns, 
We shift from side to side by turns; 
And 'tis a poor relief we gain, 

To change the place, but keep the pain. 

4 Great God ! subdue this vicious thirst, 
This love to vanity and dust; 

Cure the vile fever of the mind, 
And feed our souls with joys refin'd. 

Hymn 226. c. m. 

1 XTTHEN in the light of faith divine 

? ¥ We look on things below ; 

Honour, and gold, and sensual joy, 

How vain and dang'rous too ! 

2 Honour's a puff of noisy breath: 

Yet men expose their blood, 
And venture everlasting death, 
To gain that airy good. 



MISERY OF SIN. 159 

3 Whilst others starve the nobler mind, 

And feed on shining dust, 

They sacrifice eternal bliss 

To mean and sordid lust. 

4 The pleasures, which allure our sense, 

Are dang'rous snares to souls : 
There's but a drop of flatt'ring sweet, 
And dash'd with bitter bowls. 

5 God is my all-sufficient good, 

My portion and my choice ; 

In him my vast desires are fill' d, 

And all my pow'rs rejoice. 

Hymn 227. c. m. 

1 OINNERS! the voice of God regard: 
>3 'Tis mercy speaks to-day; 

He calls you by his gracious word 
From sin's destructive way. 

2 Like the rough sea that cannot rest, 

You live devoid of peace; 
A thousand stings within your breast 
Deprive your souls of ease. 

3 Your way is dark, and leads to hell: 

Why will you persevere? 
Can you in frightful torments dwell, 
Shut up in black despair? 

4 Bow to the sceptre of his word, 

Renouncing ev'ry sin; 
Submit to him, your sov' reign Lord, 
And learn his will divine. 



w 



Hymn 228. l. m. 

HY will ye lavish out your years 
Amidst a thousand trifling cares? 



160 THE DANGER AND 

While, in the various range of thought, 
The one thing needful is forgot. 

2 Why will ye chase the fleeting wind, 
And famish an immortal mind ; 
While angels with regret look down, 
To see you spurn a heav'nly crown? 

3 Th' eternal God calls from above, 
And Jesus pleads his dying love; 
Awaken' d conscience gives you pain: 
And shall they join their pleas in vain? 

4 Not so your dying eyes shall view 
Those objects, which ye now pursue. 
Not so shall heav'n and hell appear, 
When the decisive hour is near. 

5 Almighty God ! thine aid impart, 
To fix conviction on the heart. 

Thy pow'r can clear the darkest eyes, 
And make the haughtiest scorner wise. 

Hymn 229. c. m. 

1 TTOW long shall dreams of creature-bliss 
JLjL Our flatfring hopes employ, 

And mock our fond deluded eyes 
With visionary joy % 

2 How wretched they, that leave the Lord 

And from his word withdraw, 
That lose his gospel from their sight 
And wander from his law ! 

3 O thou eternal spring of good, 

Whence living waters flow ! 
Let not our thirsty, erring souls 
To broken cisterns go. 

4 Like characters inscrihd in dust, 

Are sinners borne away ; 



MISERY OF SIN. 161 

And all the treasures they can boast, 
The portion of a day. 

Hymn 230. c. m. 

1 ^^7~HO shall against the Lord prevail? 

? ▼ Or who presume to say, 
" That righteous law, which God proclaims, 
I dare to disobey ?" 

2 Ten thousand actions ev'ry where 

The impious language speak : 
Yet pow'r omnipotent stands by, 
Nor do its thunders break. 

3 But, O ! the dreadful day draws near, 

When God's avenging hand 
Shall shew, if feeble mortals' breath, 
Or God's own word shall stand. 

4 My soul, with rev'rence prostrate fall, 

Before the voice divine; 
And all thine hit' rest and thy pow'rs 
To his command resign. 

5 Let the vain sons of Belial boast, 

Their tongues and thoughts are free : 
My noblest liberty I own, 
' When subject most to thee. 

Hymn 231. l.m. 

1 \ RISE, my tend' rest thoughts, arise; 
-ZjL To torrents melt my streaming eyes ; 
And thou, my heart, with anguish feel 
Those evils which thou canst not heal. 

2 See human nature sunk in shame ; 
See scandals pour' d on Jesus' name; 
The Father wounded through the Son; 
The world abus'd, the soul undone. 



162 THE DANGER AND 

3 My God ! I feel the mournful scene ; 
My bowels yearn o'er dying men; 
And fain my pity would reclaim, 

And snatch the firebrands from the flame. 

4 But feeble my compassion proves, 
And can but weep, where most it loves. 
Thine own all-saving arm employ, 
And turn these drops of grief to joy. 

Hymn 232. c. m. 

1 TNDULGENT God ! with pitying eye 
JL The sons of men survey. 

Alas ! how thoughtless mortals spoil- 
In sin's destructive way ! 

2 Ten thousand dangers lurk around, 

To bear them to the tomb : 
Each passing hour may place them where 
Repentance cannot come. 

3 Reclaim, O Lord ! their wand' ring minds, 

Amus'd by airy dreams; 
That heav'nly wisdom may dispel 
Their visionary schemes. 

4 Guide and direct them by thy word, 

Their dang'rous state to see; 
That they may seek and find the path, 
That leads to heav'n and thee. 

Hymn 233. s. m. 

Evil effects of neglected education. 

1 "OEHOLD, O Israel's God! 
JD From thine exalted throne, 
And view the dang'rous state of those 
Thou call' st to be thine own. 



MISERY OF SIN. 163 

2 The children of thy flock, 

By early cov'nant thine, 
See, how they pour their bleeding souls, 
On ev'ry idol's shrine ! 

3 To indolence and pride 

What piteous victims made ! 
Crush' d in their parents' fond embrace, 
And by their love betray' d. 

4 By pleasure's polish' d dart 

What numbers here are slain ! 
What numbers there for slaughter bound 
In Mammon's golden chain! 

5 O let thine arm awake 

And dash the idols down : 
O call the captives of their pow'r, 
Thy treasure and thy crown. 

6 Thee let the fathers own, 

And thee the sons adore ; 
Join'd to the Lord by solemn vows, 
To be forgot no more ! 

Hymn 234. s. m. 

1 f I lHE man is ever blest, 

JL Who shuns the sinners' ways ; 
Amongst their councils never stands, 
Nor takes the scorner's place ; 

2 But makes the law of God 

His study and delight, 
Amidst the labours of the day, 
And watches of the night. 

3 He like a tree shall thrive, 

With waters near the root ; 
Fresh as the leaf] his name shall live ; 
His works are heav'nlv fruit. 
15 



164 THE DANGER AND 

4 Not so th' ungodly race, 

They no such blessings find ; 
Their hopes shall flee like empty chaff 
Before the driving wind. 

5 How will they bear to stand 

Before that judgment-seat, 
Where all the saints at Christ's right hand 
In full assembly meet? 

6 He knows and he approves 

The way the righteous go : 
But sinners and their works shall meet 
A dreadful overthrow. 

Hymn 235. c. m. 

1 /^H ! how my fears the dangers move, 
V^r That virtue's path enclose ! 
While I the wise pursuit approve, 

Alas, what toils oppose ! 

2 For, see ! ah, see ! while yet her ways 

With doubtful step I tread, 

A hostile world its terrors raise, 

Its snares delusive spread. 

3 Oh ! how shall I, with heart prepar'd, 

Those terrors learn to meet ; 
How, from the thousand snares, to guard 
And to restrain my feet ? 

4 But, why art thou cast down, my soul ? 

Say why, distrustful still, 
Thy thoughts with vain impatience roll 
O'er scenes of future ill ! 

5 Let faith suppress each rising fear, 

Each anxious doubt exclude : 
Thy Maker's will hath plac'd thee here, 
Thy Maker wise and good. 



MISERY OF SIN. 165 

6 He to thy ev'ry trial knows 

Its just restraints to give; 
Attentive to behold thy woes, 
And faithful to relieve. 

7 Though griefs unnumber'd throng thee round, 

Still in thy God confide ; 
Whose finger marks the seas their bound, 
And curbs the rolling tide. 

Hymn 236. l. m. 

1 \ WAKE, my soul ! lift up thine eyes; 
-LJL See where thy foes against thee rise 
In long array, a num'rous host : 
Awake, my soul ! or thou art lost. 

2 Here giant danger threat' ning stands, 
Must' ring his pale terrific bands; 
There pleasure's silken banner's spread, 
And willing souls are captive led. 

3 See where rebellious passions rage, 
And fierce desires and lusts engage ; 
The meanest foe of all the train 

Has thousands and ten thousands slain. 

4 Thou tread' st upon enchanted ground; 
Perils and snares beset thee round : 
Beware of all, guard ev'ry part, 

But most, the traitor in thy heart. 

5 Come, then, my soul ! now learn to wield 
The weight of thine immortal shield; 
Put on the armour from above 

Of heav'nly truth and heav'nly love. 

6 The terror and the charm repel, 

And pow'rs of earth, and pow'rs of hell. 
Thy Lord and Captain triumph' d here: 
Why should his faithful fol'wers fear? 



166 THE DANGER AND 

Hymn 237. c. m. 

1 T ORD, when iniquities abound, 
JLi And growing crimes appear ; 
We view the deluge rising round, 
With sorrow and with fear. 

2 Yet, when its waves most fiercely beat, 

And spread destruction wide ; 
Thy Spirit can a standard raise 
To stem the roaring tide. 

3 May thy triumphant arm awake, 

Thy sacred cause to plead ; 
And let the multitude confess, 
That thou art God indeed. 

4 O let thy grace dispose their hearts, 

To bow before thy hand; 
And let their stubborn necks be bent, 
To own thy just command. 

5 Our feeble souls do thou support ; 

In us thy pow'r display : 
And multitudes shall strive in vain 
To draw us from thy way. 

Hymn 238. c. m. 

1 V I iHE Lord into his vineyard comes, 

JL Our various fruit to see ; , 
His eye, more piercing than the light, 
Examines ev'ry tree. 

2 Tremble, ye sinners, at his frown, 

If barren still ye stand ; 
And fear that keenly-wounding axe, 
Which arms his awful hand. 

3 Lord, we adore thy sparing love, 

Thy long-expecting grace : 



MISERY OF SIN. 167 

Else had we low in ruin fall'n, 
And known no more our place. 

4 Succeeding years thy patience waits*, 
Nor let it wait in vain : 
But form in us abundant fruit, 
And still this fruit maintain. 

Hymn 239. l. m. 

1 T> AISE, thoughtless sinner, raise thine eye; 
XV Behold God's balance lifted high : 
There shall his justice be display' d, 

And there thy hope and life be weigh' d. 

2 See in one scale his perfect law; 

Mark with what force its precepts draw : 

Would' st thou the awful test sustain, 

Thy works how light ! thy thoughts how vain ! 

3 Great God ! exert thy pow'r to save; 
Deep on the heart this truth engrave ; 
Disperse the mist from sinners' eyes, 
And make the wretched triflers wise. 

4 O let them seize the present day, 
Nor risk salvation by delay; 

And, while they tremble, let them flee, 
And iind their help, their life, in thee. 



XV. 

REPENTANCE AND CONVERSION. 



Hymn 240. l. m. 

SHEW pity, Lord ! O Lord, forgive ! 
Let a repenting sinner live. 
Are not thy mercies large and free ? 
May not the contrite trust in thee ? 

15* 



168 REPENTANCE AND 

2 With shame my num'rous sins I trace 
Against thy law, against thy grace ; 

And, though my pray'r thou should' st not hear, 
My doom is just, and thou art clear. 

3 Yet save a penitent, O Lord ! 

Whose hope, still ho v' ring round thy word, 
Seeks for some precious promise there, 
Some sure support against despair. 

4 My sins are great, but don't surpass 
The riches of eternal grace. 

Great God ! thy nature hath no bound : 
So let thy pard'ning love be found. 

5 O wash my soul from ev'ry stain, 
Nor let the guilt I mourn remain. 
Give me to hear thy pard'ning voice, 
And bid my bleeding heart rejoice. 

6 Then shall thy love inspire my tongue ; 
Salvation shall be all my song ; 

And ev'ry pow'r shall join to bless 

The Lord, my strength and righteousness. 

Hymn 241. l. m. 

1 /^V THOU that hear'st when sinners cry ! 
V>r Though all my crimes before thee lie, 
Behold them not with angry look, 

But blot their mem'ry from thy book. 

2 Create my nature pure within, 
And form my soul averse to sin : 
Let thy good Spirit ne'er depart, 
Nor hide thy presence from my neart. 

3 I cannot live without thy light, 

Cast out and banish' d from thy sight; 
Thy holy joys, O God, restore, 
And guard me that I fall no more. 



CONVERSION. 169 

4 A broken heart, my God, my King, 
Is all the sacrifice I bring : 

The God of grace will ne'er despise 
A broken heart for sacrifice. 

5 My soul lies humbled in the dust, 
And owns thy dreadful sentence just : 
Look down, O Lord, with pitying eye, 
And save the soul condemn' d to die. 

Hymn 242. l. m. 

1 ^PPRESS'D with guilt, or grief; or care, 
V>F Great God ! thy humble suppliants hear. 
Though sunk, we ne'er can sink so low, 

But thou canst hear the voice of wo. 

2 Should' st thou against each evil deed 
In strict severity proceed : 

By merit, without mercy, try'd, 
None could be clear' d and justify' d. 

3 But thou forgiveness dost proclaim, 
That men may turn and fear thy name. 
To thy rich grace, O Lord ! we fly, 
And on thy promises rely. 

4 Ye contrite hearts, who guilt deplore ! 
Come, seek his face, and sin no more. 
Then shall ye know that God is kind, 
And full redemption with him find. 

Hymn 243. c. m. 

1 X^TfHEN rising from the bed of death, 

▼ ▼ O'erwhelm'd with guilt and fear, 
I see my Maker face to face, 
O how shall I appear ! 

2 If yet, while pardon may be found, 

And mercy may be sought, 



170 REPENTANCE AND 

My heart with inward horror shrinks, 
And trembles at the thought : — 

3 When thou, O Lord ! shalt stand disclosed 

In majesty severe, 
And sit in judgment on my soul, 
O how shall I appear ! 

4 But there's forgiveness, Lord, with thee; 

Thy nature is benign. 
Thy pard'ning mercy I implore ; 
For mercy, Lord, is thine. 

5 O let thy boundless mercy shine 

On my benighted soul ! 
Correct my passions, mend my heart, 
And all my fears control. 

6 And may I taste thy richer grace 

lu that decisive hour, 
When Christ to judgment shall descend, 
And time shall be no more. 



VP 



Hymn 244. c. m. 

ERPETUAL source of light and grace! 
We hail thy sacred name. 
Through ev'ry year's revolving round, 
Thy goodness is the same. 

Inconstant service we repay, 

And treach'rous vows renew, 
False as the morning's scatt'ring cloud, 

And transient as the dew. 

Low at thy feet our guilt we mourn, 

And loud implore thy grace, 
To bear our feeble footsteps on 

In all thy righteous ways. 

Arm'd with this energy divine, 
Our souls shall constant prove, 



CONVERSION. 171 

And with increasing transport press 
On to thy courts above. 

5 So, by thy pow'r, the morning sun 
Pursues his radiant way, 
Brightens each moment in his race, 
And shines to perfect day. 

Hymn 245. p. m. 7s. 

1 d^i OD of mercy ! God of grace! 
VJT Hear our sad repentant songs. 
O restore thy suppliant race, 

Thou, to whom our praise belongs ! 

2 Deep regret for follies past, 

Talents wasted, time mispent; 
Hearts debas'd by worldly cares, 
Thankless for the blessings lent ; 

3 Foolish fears and fond desires, 

Vain regrets for things as vain ; 
Lips too seldom taught to praise, 
Oft to murmur and complain ; 

4 These, and ev'ry secret fault, 

Fill'd with grief and shame we own. 
Humbled at thy feet we lie, 

Seeking pardon from thy throne. 

5 God of mercy ! God of grace ! 

Hear our sad repentant songs. 
O restore thy suppliant race, 

Thou, to whom our praise belongs ! 

Hymn 246. p. m. 7s. 

1 T> LEST Instructor ! from thy ways, 
JO Who can tell, how oft he strays ! 
Save from error's growth my mind ; 
Leave not, Lord, one root behind. 



172 REPENTANCE AND 

2 Cleanse me from the guilt, that lies 
Wrapt within my heart's disguise; 
Let me thence, by thee renew'd, 
Each presumptuous sin exclude. 

3 Let my tongue, from error free, 
Speak the words approv'd by thee; 
To thine all-observing eyes 

Let my thoughts accepted rise. 

4 So my lot shall ne'er be join'd 
With the men, whose impious mind, 
Fearless of thy just command, 
Braves the vengeance of thy hand. 

5 While I thus thy name adore, 
And thy healing grace implore, 
Blest Redeemer, bow thine ear ! 
God, my strength, propitious hear ! 



i 



o 



Hymn 247. c. m. 

THOU whose tender mercy hears 

Contrition's humble sigh ; 
Whose hand, indulgent, wipes the tears 
From sorrow's weeping eye ! 

See ! low before thy throne of grace, 

A wretched wand'rer mourn. 
Hast thou not bid me seek thy face % 

Hast thou not said, return ? 

Absent from thee, my guide, my light ! 

Without one cheering ray ; 
Through dangers, fears, and gloomy night, 

How desolate my way ! 

O shine on this benighted heart, 

With beams of mercy shine ; 
And let thy healing voice impart 

A taste of joys divine. 



CONVERSION. ]73 

5 Thy presence only can bestow 
Delights, which never cloy. 
Be this my solace here below, 
And my eternal joy ! 

Hymn 248. c. m. 

1 7 I iHE Lord, how kind are all his ways, 

JL When most they seem severe ! 
He frowns, and scourges, and rebukes. 
That we may learn his fear. 

2 With thorns he fences up our path, 

And builds a wall around, 
To guard us from the death that lurks 
In sin's forbidden ground. 

3 Return, ye wand' ring souls, return, 

And seek his tender breast ; 
Call back the mem'ry of the days, 
When there you found your rest. 

4 Behold, O Lord ! we fly to thee, 

Though blushes veil our face ; 
Constraint our last retreat to seek 
In thy much injur' d grace. 

Hymn 249. s. m. 

1 CE ARCHER of hearts ! to thee 
|k3 I all my soul display ; 

And, conscious of its innate arts, 
Entreat thy strict survey. 

2 If, lurking in its folds, 

I any sin conceal : 
O let a ray of light divine 
The secret guile reveal ! 

3 If, in these fetters bound, 

A wretched slave I lie : 



174 REPENTANCE AND 

Smite off my chains, and wake my soul 
To light and liberty ! 

4 To penitence and pray'r 
Be gentle pity giv'n ; 
Speak ample pardon to my heart, 
And seal its claim to heav'n. 

Hymn 250. l. m. 

1 £~\ TURN, great Ruler of the skies, 

\J Turn from my sins thy searching eyes ! 

My mind from ev'ry fear release, 

And soothe my troubled thoughts to peace. 

2 Prompt is thy pow'r, when ills invade, 
The weak and contrite soul to aid : 
Then let thy clemency divine 
Conspicuous in my pardon shine. 

3 O let the fulness of thy grace 
Each error of my life efface ! — 
But thy decrees, almighty Sire ! 
Integrity of heart require. 

4 Give me a will to thine subdu'd, 

A conscience pure, a soul renew' d; 
Nor let me, wrapt in endless gloom, 
An outcast from thy presence roam. 

5 The heart, that, taught its guilt to know, 
Repentant heaves with inward wo, 
Shall find its pray'rs, its groans, its sighs, 
To thee in full acceptance rise. 

Hymn 251. l. m. 

1 X ORD ! we have wander' d from thy way, 
.1 A Like foolish sheep have gone astray ; 
Our pleasant pastures we have left, 
And of their guard our souls bereft. 



CONVERSION. 175 

2 Expos' d to want, expos' d to harm, 
Far from our gentle Shepherd's arm; 
Nor will these fatal wand' rings cease, 
Till thou reveal the paths of peace. 

3 O seek thy thoughtless servants, Lord ! 
Nor let us quite forget thy word. 

Our erring souls do thou restore, 
And keep us, that we stray no more. 

Hymn 252. s. m. 

1 \ TTEND, my soul, with awe, 
XlL The dictates of thy God; 
Silent and trembling hear the voice 

Of his appointed rod. 

2 Now let me search my ways. 

And prostrate seek his face ; 
Conscious of guilt, before his throne 
In dust my soul abase. 

3 O teach me what's unknown, 

And all my crimes forgive. 
Those crimes I would no more repeat, 
But to thine honour live. 

4 My sorrows plainly show, 

That all on earth is vain. 
In God my wounded heart confides, 
True rest and bliss to gain. 

Hymn 253. cm. 

1 ^1 WEET is the friendly voice which speaks 
£3 The words of life and peace ; 

Which bids the upright heart rejoice, 
And sin and sorrow cease. 

2 Thou, Lord ! in mercy wilt regard 

The humble and sincere ; 
16 



176 REPENTANCE AND 

Thou wilt with gracious eye behold 
The penitential tear. 

3 Thou canst restrain wild passion's sway, 

The pow'r of vice control, 
Restore bright reason's ray divine, 
And purify the soul. 

4 O God ! from error turn my feet, 

That I no more may stray; 
And guide my steps direct and safe 
In virtue's peaceful way. 

5 Let me no more, with wilful mind y 

Thy righteous laws offend. 
Then shall I know nor guilt nor fear, 
If thou be still my friend. 

Hymn 254. s. m, 

1 S~\ BLESSED souls are they, 

V>J Whose sins are cover' d o'er I 
Divinely blest, to whom the Lord 
Imputes their guilt no more I 

2 They mourn their follies past, 

And keep their hearts with care; 
Their lips and lives without deceit, 
Shall prove their faith sincere. 

3 Let sinners learn to pray ; 

Let saints keep near the throne. 
Our help in time of deep distress, 
Is found in God alone. 

Hymn 255. c. M. 

The joy of conversion from sin. 

1 XTTHEN God reveal' d his gracious name, 
▼ T And chang'd my mournful state, 
My rapture seem'd a pleasing dream, 
The grace appear' d so great. 



CONVERSION. 177 

The world beheld the glorious change, 

And did thy hand confess ; 
My tongue broke out in unknown strains, 

And sung surprising grace. 

" Great is the work," my neighbours cried, 

"And own'd the pow'r divine; 
"Great is the work," my heart replied, 

"And be the glory thine." 

The Lord can clear the darkest skies, 

Can give us day for night ; 
Make drops of sacred sorrow rise 

To rivers of delight. 

Let those, that sow in sadness, wait 

Till the fair harvest come ; 
They shall confess their sheaves are great, 

And shout the blessings home 

Hymn 256. s. m. 

1 TTTOW various and how new 
_l_ A Are thy compassions, Lord ! 
Each morning shall thy mercies shew, 

Each night thy love record. 

2 Thy goodness, like the sun, 

Dawn'd on our early days, 

Ere infant reason had begun 

To form our lips to praise. 

3 Each object we beheld 

Gave pleasure to our eyes ; 
And nature all our senses held 
In bands of sweet surprise. 

4 But pleasures more refin'd 

Awaited that blest day, 
When light arose upon our mind 
To chase our sins away. 



178 REPENTANCE, &C. 

5 How various and how new 

Are thy compassions, Lord ! 
Eternity thy truth shall shew, 
And all thy love record. 

Hymn 257. s. m. 

Thanksgiving for deliverance from the power 
of sin. 

1 rriHE traveller, lost in night, 

JL Breathes many a longing sigh, 
And marks the welcome dawn of light 
With rapture in his eye. 

2 Thus sweet the dawn of day 

Lost, weary sinners find, 
When mercy with reviving ray 
Beams o'er the fainting mind. 

3 To slaves oppress' d with chains, 

How kind, how dear the friend, 
Whose gen'rous hand relieves their pains, 
And bids their sorrows end ! 

4 Thus dear that friend divine, 

Who rescues captive souls, 
Unbinds the galling chains of sin, 
And all its pow'r controls. 

5 My God ! to gospel light 

My dawn of hope I owe ; 
Once, wand' ring in the shades of night, 
And sunk in hopeless wo. 

6 Thy hand redeemed the slave, 

And set the pris'ner free. 
Be all I am, and all I have, 
Devoted, Lord, to thee ! 



THE JOY AND HAPPINESS, &C. 179 

XVI. 

THE JOY AND HAPPINESS OF TRUE 
CHRISTIANS. 



Hymn 258. s. m. 

1 fl OME, ye that love the Lord, 
V^ And let your joys be known; 
Join in a song with sweet accord, 

Whilst ye surround the throne. 

2 Let those refuse to sing, 

Who never knew our God : 
But servants of the heav'nly King 
May speak their joys abroad. 

3 The God, who rules on high, 

Who all the earth surveys, 
Who rides upon the stormy sky, 
And calms the roaring seas : 

4 This awful God is ours, 

Our Father and our love ; 
He will send down his heav'nly pow'rs, 
To carry us above. 

5 There we shall see his face, 

And never, never sin ! 
There, from the rivers of his grace, 
Drink endless pleasures in. 

6 Yea, and before we rise 

To that immortal state, 
The thoughts of such amazing bliss 
Should constant joys create. 

7 The men of grace have found 

Glory begun below. 

16* 



180 THE JOY AND HAPPINESS 

Celestial fruit on earthly ground 
From faith and hope may grow* 

8 Then let our songs abound, 
And ev'ry tear be dry: 
We're marching through Immanuel's ground 
To fairer worlds on high. 

Hymn 259. s. m. 

1 IVfOW let our voices join 
JL^I To form a sacred song; 
Ye pilgrims in Jehovah's ways, 

With music pass along. 

2 How straight the path appears ! 

How open and how fair ! 
No lurking snares t' entrap our feet; 
No fierce destroyer there. 

3 But flow'rs of Paradise 

In rich profusion spring ; 
The sun of glory gilds the path, 
And dear companions sing. 

4 See Salem's golden spires 

In beauteous prospect rise ; 
And brighter crowns than mortals wear; 
Which sparkle through the skies. 

5 All honour to his name, 

Who marks the shining way ; 
To him, who leads the wand'rers on 
To realms of endless day. 

Hymn 260. c. m. 

» 

1 "V/HE trembling souls ! dismiss your fears; 
A Be mercy all your theme; 
Mercy, which like a river flows 
In one continued stream. 



OF TRUE CHRISTIANS. 181 

2 Fear not the pow'rs of earth and hell; 

God will these pow'rs restrain; 
His mighty arm their rage repel, 
And make their efforts vain. 

3 Fear not the want of outward good : 

He will for his provide, 
Grant them supplies of daily food, 
And give them heav'n beside. 

4 Fear not, that he will e'er forsake, 

Or leave his work undone : 
He's faithful to his promises, 
And faithful to his Son. 

5 Fear not the terrors of the grave, 

Nor death's tremendous sting: 
He will from endless wrath preserve, 
To endless glory bring. 

6 You in his wisdom, pow'r, and grace, 

May confidently trust : 
His wisdom guides, his pow'r protects, 
His grace rewards the just. 

Hymn 261. c. m. 

1 TTTHEN I can read my title clear 

▼ f To mansions in the skies, 
I bid farewell to ev'ry fear, 
And wipe my weeping eyes. 

2 Should earth against my soul engage, 

And hellish darts be hurl'd : 

Then I can smile at Satan's rage, 

And face a frowning world. 

3 Let cares like a wild deluge come, 

And storms of sorrow fall : 
May I but safely reach my home, 
My God, my heav'n, my all ! 



182 THE JOY AND HAPPINESS 

4 There shall I bathe my weary soul 
In seas of heav'nly rest; 
And not a wave of trouble roll 
Across my peaceful breast. 

Hymn 262. l. m. 

1 1VTOT all the nobles of the earth, 

JL 1 Who boast the honours of their birth, 

Such real dignity can claim, 

As those who bear the Christian name. 

2 To them the privilege is giv'n, 

To be the sons and heirs of heav'n; 
Sons of the God who reigns on high, 
And heirs of joy beyond the sky. 

3 His will he makes them early know, 
And teaches their young feet to go ; 
Whispers instruction to their minds, 
And on their hearts his precepts binds. 

4 Their daily wants his hands supply : 
Their steps he guards with watchful eye ; 
Leads them from earth to heav'n above, 
And crowns them with eternal love. 

5 If I've the honour, Lord ! to be 
One of this num'rous family : 
On me the gracious gift bestow, 
To call thee Abba, Father, too. 

6 So may my conduct ever prove 
My filial piety and love ! 

Whilst all my brethren clearly trace 
Their Fathers likeness on my face. 



F 



Hymn 263. c. m. 

ORSAKE, my soul ! the tents of sin 
How false her joys appear ! 



OF TRUE CHRISTIANS. 183 

Noise and confusion dwell within ; 
Peace is a stranger there. 

2 The men, who keep the laws of God, 

His choicest blessings share ; 
Or, if he lifts his chast'ning rod, 
'Tis with a Father's care. 

3 His mighty pow'r shall guard the just; 

His wisdom point their way ; 
His eye shall watch their sleeping dust ; 
His hand revive their clay. 

4 Begin, ye saints, the joyful task ; 

His praise employ your tongue ; 
And soon eternity will ask 
A more exalted song. 

Hymn 264. c. m. 

1 "VV^ITH transport, Lord ! we view the page, 

T? Where all thy mercies shine; 
And joy to tell the rising age, 
What boundless grace is thine. 

2 The world, with all its shifting schemes, 

Time, with its fleeting hours, 
Life, with its gay and flatt'ring dreams, 
Its hopes and fears, is ours. 

3 Death, also, at our Father's word, 

Lays all its terrors by ; 
Gently divides the silver cord, 
And calls us to the sky. 

4 Fain would our hearts a tribute bring, 

Before our Father's throne ; 
A tribute worthy of our King, 
Whose mercies are unknown. 

Hymn 265. c. m. 

1 f^W HAPPY soul that lives on high ! 
v/ While men lie grov'ling here, 



184 THE JOY AND HAPPINESS 

His hopes are flx'd above the sky, 
And faith forbids his fear. 

2 His conscience knows no secret stings ; 

While grace and joy combine 
To form a life, whose holy springs 
Are hidden and divine. 

3 He waits in secret on his God; 

His God in secret sees. 
Let earth be all in arms abroad, 
He dwells in heav'nly peace. 

4 His pleasures rise from things unseen, 

Beyond this world and time, 
Where neither eyes nor ears have been, 
Nor thoughts of mortals climb. 

5 He looks to heav'n's eternal hill, 

To meet that glorious day, 
When Christ his promise shall fulfil 
And call his soul away. 

Hymn 266. l. m. 

1 TTTHILE some in folly's pleasures roll, 

▼ T And court the joys which hurt the sou 1 
Be mine that silent, calm repast, 
A peaceful conscience to the last : 

2 That tree which bears immortal fruit, 
Without a canker at the root; 

That friend, who never fails the just, 
When other friends desert their trust. 

3 With this companion in the shade, 
My soul no more shall be dismay'd; 
But fearless meet the midnight gloom, 
And the pale monarch of the tomb. 

4 Though heav'n afflict, I'll not repine; 
The noblest comforts still are mine : 



OF TRUE CHRISTIANS. 185 

Comforts, which over death prevail, 
And journey with me through the vale. 

5 The Lord will smooths my rugged way, 
And lead me to the realms of day, 
To milder skies and brighter plains, 
Where everlasting pleasure reigns. 

Hymn 267. c. m. 

1 ^\ HAPPINESS, thou pleasing dream? 
V-r Where is thy substance found? 
Sought through the varying scenes, in vain, 

Of earth's capacious round. 

2 Religion's sacred lamp alone 

Unerring points the way, 
Where happiness for ever shines 
With unpolluted ray. 

Hymn 268. s. m. 

1 "C^f7"HEN gloomy thoughts and fears 

¥ ▼ The trembling heart invade, 
And all the face of nature wears 
An universal shade : 

2 Religion can assuage 

The tempest of the soul ; 
And ev'ry fear shall lose its rage 
At her divine control. 

3 Through life's bewilder' d way, 

Her hand unerring leads ; 
And o'er the path her heav'nly ray 
A cheering lustre sheds. 

4 When reason, tir'd and blind, 

Sinks helpless and afraid ; 
Thou blest supporter of the mind, 
How pow'rfol is thine aid ! 



186 THE JOY AND HAPPINESS 

5 O let me feel thy pow'r, 
And find thy sweet relief) 
To brighten ev'ry gloomy hour, 
And soften ev'ry grief. 

Hymn 269. l. m. 

1 TTOW blest the man, how more than blest, 
JUL Whose heart no guilty thoughts employ ! 
God's endless sunshine fills his breast, 

And conscience whispers peace and joy. 

2 Pure rectitude's unerring way 

His heav'n-conducted steps pursue; 
While crowds in guilt and error stray, 
Unstain'd his soul, and bright his view. 

3 By God's almighty arm sustain'd, 

True virtue soon or late shall rise; 
Enjoy her conquest, nobly gain'd, 
And share the triumph of the skies. 

4 But fools, to sacred wisdom blind, 

Who vice's tempting call obey, 
A different fate shall quickly find, 
To ev'ry storm an easy prey. 

Hymn 270. l. m. 

1 FTl HERE is a glorious world on high, 
JL Resplendent with eternal day ; 
Faith views the blissful prospect nigh, 
While God's own word reveals the way. 

i There shall the fav' rites of the Lord 
With never-fading lustre shine. 
Surprising honour ! vast reward ! 
Conferr'd on man by love divine. 

$ How blest are those, how truly wise, 
Who learn and keep the sacred road ! 



OF TRUE CHRISTIANS. 187 

Happy the men, whom heav'n employs 
To turn rebellious hearts to God ; 

4 To win them from the fatal way, 

Where erring folly thoughtless roves; 
And that blest righteousness display, 
Which Jesus taught and God approves. 

5 The shining firmament shall fade, 

And sparkling stars resign their light : 
But these shall know nor change nor shade, 
For ever fair, for ever bright. 

6 On wings of faith and strong desire, 

O may our spirits daily rise ; 
And reach at last the shining choir, 
In the bright mansions of the skies ! 

Hymn 271. p. m. 8,8,&e. 

1 \ LL earthly charms, however dear, 
-OL Howe'er they please the eye or ear, 

Will quickly fade and fly. ' 
Of earthly glory faint the blaze, 
And soon the transitory rays 

In endless darkness die. 

2 The nobler beauties of the just 
Shall never moulder in the dust, 

Or know a sad decay; 
Their honours time and death defy, 
And round the throne of heav'n on high 

Beam everlasting day 

Hymn 272. l. m. 

1 "^^"E humble souls, complain no more ; 
JL Let faith survey your future store. 
How happy, how divinely blest, 
The sacred words of truth attest. 

1? 



188 THE JOY AND HAPPINESS 

2 When conscious grief laments sincere, 
And pours the penitential tear ; 
Hope points to your dejected eyes 

A bright reversion in the skies. 

3 In vain the sons of wealth and pride 
Despise your lot, your hopes deride; 
In vain they boast their little stores ; 
Trifles are theirs, a kingdom yours : 

4 A kingdom of immense delight, 
Where health, and peace, and joy unite 
Where undeclining pleasures rise, 

And ev'ry wish hath fall supplies : 

5 A kingdom which can ne'er decay, 
Though time sweep earthly thrones away. 
The state, which pow'r and truth sustain, , 
Unmov'd for ever must remain. 

6 Great God ! to thee we breathe our pray'r 
If thou confirm our int'rest there, 
Enroll' d among thy happy poor, 

Our largest wishes ask no more. 

Hymn 273. c. m. 

1 TTOW happy is the man, who hears 
JLJL Instruction's warning voice 
And who celestial wisdom makes 

His early, only choice ! 

2 Wisdom has treasures greater far* 

Than east or west unfold ; 
And her rewards more precious are 
Than is the gain of gold. 

3 In her right hand she holds to view 

A length of happy years; 
And in her left the prize of fame 
And honour bright appears. 



OF TRUE CHRISTIANS. 189 

She guides the young with innocence, 

In pleasure's path to tread: 
A crown of glory she bestows 

Upon the hoary head. 

According as her labours rise, 

So her rewards increase ; 
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, 

And all her paths are peace. 



XVII. 



THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER AND LIFE, 
IN GENERAL. 



Hymn 274. l. m. 

1 CO let our lips and lives express 
l^ The holy gospel we profess; 
So let our works and virtues shine, 
To prove the doctrine all divine ! 

2 Thus shall we best proclaim abroad 
The honours of our Saviour God, 
When the salvation reigns within, 
And grace subdues the pow'r of sin. 

3 Our flesh and sense must be deny'd, 
Passion and envy, lust and pride; 
Whilst justice, temp' ranee, truth, and love 
Our inward piety approve. 

4 Religion bears our spirits up, 
Whilst we expect that blessed hope, 
The bright appearance of the Lord, 
And faith stands leaning on his word. 



190 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER 

Hymn 275. c. m. 

1 T WANT a principle within 
A Of jealous godly fear, 

A dread and hatred of all sin, 
A pain to feel it near. 

2 That I from thee no more may part, 

No more thy goodness grieve : 
The filial awe, the loving heart, 
The tender conscience give ; 

3 A heart resign' d, submissive, meek, 

My great Redeemer's throne, 
Where only Christ is heard to speak, 
Where Jesus reigns alone. 

4 Quick as the apple of an eye, 

O God ! my conscience make ; 
Awake my soul when sin is nigh 
And keep it still awake. 

5 If to the right or left I stray, 

That moment, Lord, reprove; 
And let me mourn, and weep, and pray, 
For having griev'd thy love ! 

6 O ! may the least omission pain 

My well-instructed soul; 
That I may find that grace again, 
Which makes the wounded whole 

Hymn 276. l. m. 

1 X"IT"HAT strange perplexities arise ! 

▼ ▼ What anxious fears and jealousies ! 
What crowds in doubtful light appear ! 
How few, alas, approv'd and clear! 

2 And what am I ? — My soul, awake, 
And an impartial survey take. 



AND LIFE, IN GENERAL. 191 

Does no dark sign, no ground of fear, 
In practice or in heart appear? 

3 What image does my spirit bear ? 
Is Jesus form'd and living there? 
Say, do his lineaments divine 

In thought, and word, and action shine? 

4 Searcher of hearts, O search me still ; 
The secrets of my soul reveal ; 

My fears remove ; let me appear 

To God and my own conscience clear ! 

Hymn 277. l. m. 

1 "\7S7"HO shall ascend thy heav'nly place, 

▼ ▼ Great God, and dwell before thy face ? 
The man, who loves religion now, 
And humbly walks with God below ; 

2 Whose hands are pure, whose heart is clean, 
Whose lips still speak the thing they mean. 
No slanders dwell upon his tongue ; 

He hates to do his neighbour wrong. 

3 He will not trust an ill report, 
Nor vent it to his neighbour's hurt; 
Sinners of state he can despise, 
But saints are honour' d in his eyes. 

4 Firm to his word he ever stood, 

And always makes his promise good : 
Nor will he change the thing he swears, 
Whatever pain or loss he bears. 

5 He never deals in bribing gold, 

And mourns that justice should be sold. 
If others vex and grind the poor, 
Sweet charity attends his door. 

6 He loves his enemies, and prays 
For those who curse him to his face ; 

17* 



192 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER 

And doth to all men still the same, 
That he could hope or wish from them. 

7 Yet, when his holiest works are done, 
His soul depends on grace alone. 
This is the man thy face shall see, 
And dwell for ever, Lord ! with thee. 

Hymn 278. l. m. 

1 £~*i REAT God ! whose all-pervading eye 
VjT Sees ev'ry passion of my soul ! 
When sunk too low, or rais'd too high, 

Teach me those passions to control. 

2 Temper the fervours of my frame; 

Be charity their constant spring ; 
And O, let no unhallow'd flame 
Pollute the offerings I bring. 

3 Let peace with piety unite, 

To mend the bias of my will ; 
While hope and heav'n-ey'd faith excite, 
And wisdom regulates my zeal : 

i That wisdom, which to meekness turns; 
Wisdom descending from above; 
And let my zeal, whene'er it burns, 
Be kindled by the fire of love. 



•s 



Hymn 279. l. m. 

UPREME and universal light ! 
Fountain of reason ! Judge of right ! 
Without whose kind, directing ray, 
In everlasting night we stray : 

Assist us, Lord, to act, to be, 
What all thy sacred laws decree ; 
Worthy that intellectual flame, 
Which from thy breathing spirit came. 



AND LIFE, IN GENERAL. 193 

3 No slaves to profit, shame, or fear, 
O may our steadfast bosoms bear 
The stamp of heav'n, an honest heart, 
Above the mean disguise of art ! 

4 May our expanded souls disclaim 
The narrow view, the selfish aim ; 
But with a Christian zeal embrace 
Whate'er is friendly to our race. 

5 O Father ! grace and virtue grant : 
No more we wish, no more we want. 
To know, to serve thee, and to love, 
Is peace below, is bliss above. 

Hymn 280, l.m. 

J nP! H' uplifted eye, and bended knee, 
JL Are but vain homage, Lord ! to thee. 
In vain our lips thy praise prolong, 
The heart a stranger to the song. 

;2 Can rites, and forms, and flaming zeal 
The breaches of thy precepts heal? 
Or fasts and penance reconcile 
Thy justice, and obtain thy smile ? 

3 The pure, the humble, contrite mind, 
Sincere, and to thy will resign' d, 
To thee a nobler off 'ring yields, 

Than Sheba's groves, or Sharon's fields. 

4 Love God and man : — this great command 
Doth on eternal pillars stand. 

This did thine ancient prophets teach, 
This did the great Messiah preach. 



H 



Hymn 281. l.m. 

AD I the tongues of Greeks and Jews, 
And nobler soeech than angels use; 



194 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER 

If love be absent, I am found, 
Like tinkling brass, an empty sound. 

2 Were I inspir'd to preach and tell 
All that is done in heav'n and hell, 
Or could my faith the world remove, 
Still I am nothing without love. 

3 Should I distribute all my store, 
To feed the bowels of the poor ; 
Or give my body to the flame, 

To gain a martyr's glorious name • 

4 If love to God, and love to men 
Be absent, all my hopes are vain; 
Nor tongues, nor gifts, nor fiery zeal 
The work of love can e'er fulfil. 

Hymn 282. c. m. 

1 r ■ 1 HOU art my portion, O my God ! 

A Soon as I know thy way, 
My heart makes haste f obey thy word, 
And suffers no delay. 

2 I choose the path of heav'nly truth, 

And glory in my choice : 
Not all the riches of the earth 
Could make me so rejoice. 

3 The testimonies of thy grace 

I set before mine eyes ; 
Thence I derive my daily strength, 
And there my comfort lies. 

4 Whene'er I wander from thy path, 

I think upon my ways; 
Then turn my feet to thy commands, 
And trust thy pard'ning grace. 

5 Now I am thine, for ever thine : 

O save thy servant, Lord ! 



AND LIFE, IN GENERAL. 195 

Thou art my shield, my hiding place ; 
My hope is in thy word. 

6 Thou hast inclin'd this heart of mine 
Thy statutes to fulfil ; 
And thus, till mortal life shall end, 
Would I perform thy will. 

Hymn 283. c. m. 

1 X^7"HILST sinners, who presume to bear 

V T The Christian's sacred name, 
Throw up the reins to ev'ry lust, 
And glory in their shame : 

2 Ye saints, preserv'd in Christ and call'd, 

Detest their impious ways, 
And on the basis of your faith 
A heav'nly temple raise. 

3 Upon the Spirit's promis'd aid 

Depend from day to day ; 
And, whilst he breathes his quick' ning grace, 
Adore, and praise, and pray. 

4 Preserve unquench'd your love to God, 

And let the flame arise, 
And higher and still higher blaze, 
Till it ascends the skies. 

5 With a transporting joy expect 

The grace your Lord shall give, 
When all his saints shall from his hands 
Their crowns of life receive. 

Hymn 284. c. m. 

1 X>LEST are the undefil'd in heart, 
JO Whose ways are right and clean ; 
Who never from thy law depart, 
But fly from ev'ry sin. 



196 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER 

2 Blest are the men that keep thy word, 

And practise thy commands ; 
With their whole heart they seek the Lord, 
And serve thee with their hands. 

3 Great is their peace, who love thy law ; 

How firm their souls abide ! 
Nor can a bold temptation draw 
Their steady feet aside. 

4 Then shall my heart have inward joy, 

And keep my face from shame, 
When all thy statutes I obey, 
And honour all thy name. 

Hymn 285. l. m. 

1 TJLESS'D are the humble souls, who see 
JO Their ignorance and poverty : 
Treasures of grace to them are giv'n, 

And crowns of joy laid up in heav'n. 

2 Bless' d are the men of broken heart, 
Who mourn for sin with inward smart ; 
For them divine compassion flows, 

A healing balm for all their woes. 

3 Bless' d are the meek, who stand afar 
From rage and passion, noise and war : 
God will secure their peaceful state, 
And plead their cause against the great. 

4 Bless' d are the souls, who thirst for grace, 
Hunger and long for righteousness : 
They shall be well supply' d and fed 
With living streams and living bread. 

5 Bless' d are the men, whose hearts still move 
And melt with sympathy and love ; 

They shall themselves from God obtain 
Like sympathy and love again. 



AND LIFE, IN GENERAL. 197 

6 Bless' d are the pure, whose hearts are clean 
From the defiling pow'r of sin : 

With endless pleasure they shall see 
A God of spotless purity. 

7 Bless' d are the men of peaceful life, 
Who quench the coals of growing strife : 
They shall be call'd the heirs of bliss, 
The sons of God, the God of peace. 

8 Bless' d are the suff'rers who partake 
Of pain and shame for Jesus' sake : 
Their souls shall triumph in the Lord, 
Glory and joy are their reward. 

Hymn 286. l. m. 

1 T^OST thou my worthless name record, 
\J Free of thy holy city, Lord? 

Am I, a sinner, call'd to share 
The precious privileges there ? 

2 Art thou my King, my Father styl'd? 
Am I thy servant and thy child ? 

Whilst wretched millions draw their breath 
In lands of ignorance and death. 

3 Shall I receive this grace in vain? 
Shall I my great vocation stain ? 
Away, ye works in darkness wrought ! 
Away each sensual, wanton thought ! 

4 My soul, I charge thee to excel 
In thinking right and acting well. 
Deep let thy searching pow'rs engage, 
Unbiass'd, in the sacred page. 

5 Strong, and more strong, thy passions rule, 
Advancing still in virtue's school ; 
Contending still, with noble strife, 

To imitate thy Saviour's life. 



198 the christian character 
Hymn 287. l. m. 

1 \ H wretched souls, who strive in vain, 
jljL Slaves to the world, and slaves to sin ! 
A nobler toil may I sustain, 

A nobler satisfaction win. 

2 I would resolve with all my heart, 

With all my pow'rs to serve the Lord; 
Nor from his precepts e'er depart, 
Whose service is a rich reward. 

3 O be his service all my joy ! 

Around let my example shine ; 
Till others love the blest employ, 
And join in labours so divine. 

4 Be this the purpose of my soul, 

My solemn, my determin'd choice, 
To yield to his supreme control, 
And in his kind commands rejoice. 

5 O may I never faint nor tire, 

Nor wander from thy sacred ways. 
Great God ! accept my soul's desire, 
And give me strength to live thy praise. 

Hymn 288. l. m. 

1 \ WAKE, our souls ! away our fears ! 
-LjL. Let ev'ry trembling thought be gone. 
Awake, and run the heav'nly race, 

And put a cheerful courage on. 

2 True, 'tis a strait and thorny road, 

And mortal spirits tire and faint; 
But they forget the mighty God, 

Who strength imparts to ev'ry saint : 

3 The mighty God, whose matchless pow'r 

Is ever new and ever young, 



AND LIFE, IN GENERAL. 199 

And firm endures, while endless years 
Their everlasting circles run. 

4 Swift as an eagle cuts the air, 

We'll mount aloft to thine abode; 
On wings of love our souls shall fly, 
Nor tire amidst the heav'nly road. 

Hymn 289. cm. 

1 \ WAKE, my soul ! stretch ev'ry nerve, 
_Zjl And press with vigour on : 

A heav'nly race demands thy zeal, 
And an immortal crown. 

2 A cloud of witnesses around 

Hold thee in full survey : 
Forget the steps already trod, 
And onward urge thy way. 

3 'Tis God's all-animating voice, 

That calls thee from on high ; 
'Tis his own hand presents the prize 
To thine aspiring eye : 

4 That prize, with peerless glories bright, 

Which shall new lustre boast, 
When victors' crowns and monarchs 5 gems 
Shall blend in common dust. 

Hymn 290. c. m. 

1 ^"\UR country is Immanuel's ground ; 
\Jr We seek that promis'd soil : 

The songs of Zion cheer our hearts, 
While strangers here we toil. 

2 Oft do our eyes with joy o'erflow, 

And oft are bath'd in tears : 
Yet nought but heav'n our hopes can raise, 
And nought but sin, our fears. 
18 



200 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER 

3 The flow'rs, that spring along the road, 

We scarcely stoop to pluck ; 

We walk o'er beds of shining ore, 

Nor waste one anxious look. 

4 We tread the path our Master trod ; 

We bear the cross he bore ; 
And ev'ry thorn, that wounds our feet, 
His temples pierc'd before. 

5 Our pow'rs are oft dissolv'd away 

In ecstacies of love ; 
And, while our bodies wander here, 
Our souls are fix'd above. 

6 We purge our mortal dross away, 

Refining as we run ; 
But, while we die to earth and sense, 
Our heav'n is here begun. 



L 



Hymn 291. l. m. 

ET sorrow, Lord, my bosom fill, 
When impious men transgress thy will; 
Teach me to mourn, when lips profane 
Take thy tremendous name in vain. 

With indignation may I treat 
The works of malice and deceit ; 
And ever from their friendship flee, 
Who dare to scorn thy laws and thee. 

Doth secret mischief lurk within ? 
Do I indulge some unknown sin ? 
O turn my feet whene'er I stray, 
And lead me in thy perfect way. 



Y 



Hymn 292. s. m. 

E servants of the Lord, 
Each in his office wait, 



AND LIFE, IN GENERAL. 201 

Observant of his heav'nly word, 
And watchful at his gate. 

2 Let all your lamps be bright, 

And trim the golden flame, 
Gird up your loins, as in his sight, 
For awful is his name. 

3 Watch ! 'tis your Lord's command ; 

And while we speak, he's near. 
Mark the first signal of his hand, 
And ready all appear. 

4 O happy servant he, 

In such a posture found ! 
He shall his Lord with rapture see, 
And be with honour crown' d. 

Hymn 293. l. m. 

1 \ SSIST us, Lord, thy name to praise, 
JTJL For this rich gospel of thy grace ; 
And, that our hearts may love it more, 
Teach them to feel its vital pow'r. 

2 With joy may we our course pursue, 
And keep the crown of life in view ; 
That crown, which in one hour repays 
The labour often thousand days. 

3 Should bonds or death obstruct our way, 
Unmov'd their terrors we'll survey; 
And the last hour improve for thee, 
The last of life or liberty. 

4 Welcome those bonds, which may unite 
Our souls to their supreme delight ! 
Welcome that death, whose painful strife 
Bears us to Christ, our better life. 



202 FAITH. 

XVIIL 

FAITH. 



Hymn 294. c. m. 

1 MA AITH adds new charms to earthly bliss, 
J? And saves me from its snares ; 

Its aid in ev'ry duty brings, 
And softens all my cares ; 

2 Extinguishes the thirst of sin, 

And lights the sacred fire, 
Of love to God and heav'nly things, 
And feeds the pure desire. 

3 The wounded conscience knows its pow'r 

The healing balm to give ; 
That balm the saddest heart can cheer, 
And make the dying live. 

4 Wide it unveils celestial worlds, 

Where deathless pleasures reign ; 
And bids me seek my portion there, 
Nor fcds me seek in vain. 

5 Shews me the precious promise seal'd 

With the Redeemer's blood ; 
And helps my feeble hope to rest 
Upon a faithful God. 

6 There, there unshaken would I rest, 

Till this vile body dies ; 
And then on Faith's triumphant wings 
At once to glory rise. 

Hymn 295. l. m. 

IS by the faith of joys to come, 
We walk through deserts dark as night; 



T 



FAITH. 203 

Till we arrive at heav'n our home, 
Faith is our guide, and faith our light. 

2 The want of sight she well supplies ; 

She makes the pearly gates appear ; 
Far into distant worlds she pries, 
And brings eternal glories near. 

3 Cheerful we tread the desert through, 

While faith inspires a heav'nly ray; 

Though lions roar, and tempests blow, 

And rocks and dangers fill the way. 

4 So Abra'm, by divine command, 

Left his own house to walk with God. 
His faith beheld the promis'd land, 
And fir'd his zeal along the road. 



B 



Hymn 296. l. m. 

Y various maxims, forms, and rules, 
That pass for wisdom in the schools, 
I strove my passions to restrain; 
But all my efforts prov'd in vain. 

But since the Saviour I have known, 
My rules are all reduc'd to one : — 
To keep my Lord, by faith, in view. 
This strength supplies and motives too. 

I see him lead a suff'ring life, 
Patient amidst reproach and strife ; 
And from this pattern courage take 
To bear and suffer for his sake. 

Upon the cross I see him bleed, 
And by the sight from fear am freed. 
This sight destroys the life of sin, 
And quickens heav'nly life within. 

To look to Jesus as he rose, 
Confirms my hope, disarms my foes. 

18 # 



204 FAITH. 

The world I shame and overcome, 
By pointing to my Saviour's tomb. 

6 I see him look with pity down, 

And hold in view the conq'ror's crown. 
If press' d with griefs and cares before, 
My soul revives, and asks no more. 

7 By faith I see the hour at hand, 
When in his presence I shall stand. 
Then it will be my endless bliss, 
To see him where and as he is. 

Hymn 297. l. m. 

1 ' I ORD, dost thou shew a corner-stone, 

I A For us to build our hopes upon, 
That the fair edifice may rise 
Sublime in light beyond the skies ? 

2 Thy people long this stone have try'd, 
And all the pow'rs of hell defy'd. 
Floods of temptation beat in vain ; 
Well doth this rock the house sustain. 

3 When storms and tempests round prevail, 
Whirlwind and thunder, fire and hail ; 
'Tis here our trembling souls shall hide, 
And here securely they abide. 

Hymn 298. l. m. 

1 TN vain would boasting reason find 
3- The path to happiness and God ; 
Her weak directions leave the mind 

Bewilder' d in a doubtful road. 

2 Jesus, thy words alone impart 

Eternal life ; on these I live ; 
Diviner comforts cheer my heart, 
Than all the pow'rs of nature give. 



FAITH. 205 

Here let my constant feet abide ; 

Thou art the true, the living way : 
Let thy good Spirit be my guide 

To the bright realms of endless day. 

The various forms that men devise, 

To shake my faith with treacherous art, 

I scorn as vanity and lies, 

And bind thy gospel to my heart. 



j 



Hymn 299. l. m. 

ESUS ! and shall it ever be, 
A mortal man asham'd of thee ! 
Asham'd of thee, whom angels praise, 
Whose glory shines through endless days, 

Asham'd of Jesus, that dear friend, 
On whom my hopes of heav'n depend! 
No; when I blush, be this my shame, 
That I no more revere his name. 

Asham'd of Jesus ! yes, I may, 
When I've no guilt to wash away, 
No tears to wipe, no good to crave, 
No fears to quell, no soul to save. 

His institutions will I prize; 
Take up the cross, the shame despise; 
Dare to defend his noble cause, 
And yield obedience to his laws. 

Hymn 300. l. m. 

SHALL I forsake that heav'nly Friend, 
On whom my noblest hopes depend ? 
Forbid it, that my wand' ring heart 
From thee, my Saviour, should depart i 

First let the wheels of life stand still, 
Ere I forget thy gracious will ■ 



206 FAITH. 

Ere I submit to guilty shame, 
And bring dishonour on thy name. 

3 Faithful to thee, and to thy laws, 
With zeal I would maintain thy cause, 
The cause of truth and righteousness, 
'Midst trial, suff'ring, and distress. 

4 If e'er I am call'd t' encounter death 
For thee, may I resign my breath ; 
And reap at last the bright reward, 
Which waits the servants of the Lord, 

Hymn 301. l. m. 

1 XyS7"HAT mean these jealousies and fears, 

▼ ▼ As if my Lord were loth to save ? 
Or lov : d to see us steep' d iu tears, 

And sink with sorrow to the grave ? 

2 Does he want slaves to grace his throne ? 

Or crush them with an iron rod ? 
Is he refresh' d to hear us groan? 
Is he a tyrant, or a God? 

3 Not all th' iniquities thou'st wrought 

So much his tender bowels grieve, 
As this unkind, injurious thought,— 
That he's unwilling to forgive, 

Hymn 302. l. m. 

1 "W^TTHEN darkness long has veil'd my mind, 

▼ ▼ And smiling day once more appears ; 
Then, my Creator ! then I find 

The folly of my doubts and fears. 

2 Straight I upbraid my wand' ring heart, 

And blush that I should ever be 
Thus prone to act so base a part, 

Or harbour one hard thought of thee. 



FAITH. 207 

3 O let me then be fully taught, 

What I am still so slow to learn, 
That God is love, and changes not, 
Nor knows the shadow of a turn. 

Hymn 303. l. m. 

1 O ING to the Lord, who loud proclaims 
1^ His various and his saving names. 

O may they not be heard alone, 
But by our sure experience known. 

2 Awake, our noblest pow'rs, to bless 
The God of Abra'm — God of peace; 
Now by a dearer title known, 
Father and God of Christ his Son. 

3 Through ev'ry age his gracious ear 
Is open to his servant's pray'r; 
Nor can one humble soul complain, 
That it hath sought its God in vain. 

4 What unbelieving heart shall dare 
In whispers to suggest a fear, 
While still he owns his ancient name, 
The same his pow'r, his love the same? 

5 To thee our souls in faith arise, 
To thee we lift expecting eyes, 

And boldly through the desert tread ; 

For God will guard, where God shall lead. 

Hymn 304 c. m. 

1 TTAPPY the man, whose wishes climb 
JLjL To mansions in the skies ! 

He looks on all the joys of time 
With undesiring eyes. 

2 In vain soft pleasure spreads her charms, 

And throws her silken chain ; 



208 FAITH. 

And wealth and fame invite his arms, 
And tempt his ear in vain. 

3 He knows, that all these glitt'ring things 

Must yield to sure decay ; 
And sees on time's extended wings 
How swift they flee away ! 

4 To things unseen by mortal eyes, 

A beam of sacred light 
Directs his view ; his prospects rise 
All permanent and bright. 

5 His hopes are fix'd on joys to come : 

Those blissful scenes on high 
Shall flourish in immortal bloom, 
When time and nature die* 

Hymn 305. c. m. 

1 Tt/TISTAKEN souls, that dream of heaven, 
JLtJL And make their empty boast 

Of inward joys and sins forgiv'n, 
While they are slaves to lust ! 

2 Vain are our fancies, airy flights, 

If faith be cold and dead ; 
None but a living pow'r unites 
To Christ the living Head : — 

3 A faith that changes all the heart ; 

A faith that works by love ; 
That bids all sinful joys depart, 
And lifts the thoughts above. 

4 Faith must obey our Father's will, 

As well as trust his grace : 
A pard'ning God requires us still 
To perfect holiness. 



DUTIES OF PIETY. 209 

XIX. 

DUTIES OF PIETY. 



Hymn 306. l. m. 

1 TTjl TERNAL God, almighty cause 

, ■ A Of earth, and seas, and worlds un&nown ! 
All things are subject to thy laws ; 
All things depend on thee alone. 

2 Thy glorious being singly stands, 

Of all within itself possest; 
By none control' d in thy commands, 
And in thyself completely blest. 

3 To thee alone ourselves we owe ; 

Let heav'n and earth due homage pay : 
All other gods we disavow, 

Deny their claims, renounce their sway. 

4 In thee, O Lord, our hope shall rest, 

Fountain of peace, and joy, and love ! 
Thy favour only makes us blest; 

Without thee all would nothing prove. 

5 Worship to thee alone belongs ; 

Worship to thee alone we give ; 
Thine be our hearts and thine our songs, 
And to thy glory we would live. 

6 Spread thy great name through heathen, lands ; 

Their idol-deities dethrone ; 
Subdue the world to thy commands, 
And reign as thou art, God alone. 



210 duties of piety. 

Hymn 307. l. m. 

1 {^i REAT God ! thy peerless excellence 
VH~ Let all created natures own : 
Deep on our minds impress the sense 

Of glories which are thine alone. 

2 Let these our admiration raise, 

And fill us with religious awe ; 
Tune all our hearts and tongues to praise, 
And bend us to thy holy law. 

3 Pure may we be, averse to sin, 

Just, holy, merciful, and true ; 
And let thine image, form'd within, 
Shine out in all we speak and do. 

Hymn 308. c. m. 

1 1%/T Y soul, before thy Maker bow •> 
_lt JL His wondrous works admire, 
Till rev'rence and religious awe 

Thine inmost thoughts inspire. 

2 With humble trust dismiss thy cares, 

And on his love depend ; 
Leave him to manage thine affairs, 
To him thyself commend. 

3 Let high esteem affection raise; 

Devotion warm thy breast; 
Let thankful love excite thy praise ; 
In him alone be blest. 

4 To him thy solemn homage pay ; 

His constant aid implore; 
Give thanks for mercies ev'ry day, 
And thus prepare for more. 



DUTIES OF PIETY. 211 

5 Without reserve to him submit ; 
All his commands fulfil ; 
Acknowledge all his actions fit, 
Nor e'er oppose his will. 

Hymn 309. l. m. 

1 Xjl TERNAL and immortal King ! 

I^i Thy peerless splendours none can bear; 
But darkness veils seraphic eyes ; 
When God with all his glory's there. 

2 Yet faith can pierce the awful gloom, 

The great Invisible can see : 
And with its tremblings mingle joy, 
In fix'd regards, great God ! to thee. 

3 Then ev'ry tempting form of sin, 

Aw'd by thy presence, disappears; 
And all the glowing, raptur'd soul 
The likeness, it contemplates, wears. 

4 O ever conscious to my heart ! 

Witness to its supreme desire ; 
Behold it presses on to thee, 

For it hath caught the heav'nly fire. 

5 This one petition would I urge : 

To bear thee ever in my sight ! 
In life, in death, in worlds unknown, 
J^ My only portion and delight. 

Hymn 310. c. m. 

1 r I \ HRICE happy souls, who, born of heaVn, 

JL Whilst yet they sojourn here, 
Humbly begin their days with God, 
And spend them in his fear. 

2 So may our eyes with holy zeal 

Prevent the dawning day, 
19 



212 DUTIES OF PIETY. 

And turn the sacred pages o'er, 
And praise thy name and pray. 

3 Midst hourly cares may love present 

Its incense to thy throne ; 
And, while the world our hands employs, 
Our hearts be thine alone ! 

4 As sanctify' d to noblest ends, 

Be each refreshment sought ; 
And by each various providence 
Some wise instruction brought. 

5 When to laborious duties call'd, 

Or by temptations try'd; - 
We'll seek the shelter of thy wings, 
And in thy strength confide. 

6 As different scenes of life arise, 

Our grateful hearts would be 
With thee amidst the social band, 
In solitude with thee. 

7 At night we lean our weary heads 

On thy paternal breast ; 
And, safely folded in thine arms, 
Resign our pow'rs to rest. 

8 In solid, pure delights, like these, 

Let all my days be pass'd : 
Nor shall I then impatient wish, 
Nor shall I fear the last. 

Hymn 311. c. m. 

1 XX7"HILE thee I seek, protecting Pow'r ! 

▼ T Be my vain wishes still' d; 
And may this consecrated hour 
With better hopes be fill'd; 

2 Thy love the pow'rs of thought bestow' d : 

To thee my thoughts would soar. 



DUTIES OF PIETY. 213 

Thy mercy o'er my life has flow'd : 
That mercy I adore. 

3 In each event of life, how clear 

Thy ruling hand I see ! 
Each blessing to my soul more dear, 
Because bestow' d by thee. 

4 In ev'ry joy that crowns my days, 

In ev'ry pain I bear, 
My heart shall find delight in praise. 
Or seek relief in pray'r. 

5 When gladness wings my favour' d hour, 

Thy love my thoughts shall fill : 
Resign' d, when storms of sorrow low'r, 
My soul shall meet thy will. 

6 My lifted eye, without a tear, 

The low' ring storm shall see; 
My steadfast heart shall know no fear: 
That heart will rest on thee ! 

Hymn 312. l. m. 

1 /^UR Father, thron'd above the sky, 
V>r To thee our empty hands we spread ; 
Thy children at thy footstool lie, 

And ask thy blessings on their head. 

2 With cheerful hope and filial fear, 

In that august and precious name, 
By thee ordain' d, we now draw near, 
And would the promis'd blessing claim. 

3 Does not an earthly parent hear 

The cravings of his famish' d son? 
Will he reject the filial pray'r, 

Or mock him with a cake of stone ? 

4 Our heav'nly Father, how much more 

Will thy divine compassions rise ; 



214 DUTIES OF PIETY. 

And open thine unbounded store, 
To satisfy thy children's cries ? 

5 Yes, we will ask, and seek, and press 

For gracious audience at thy seat j 
Still hoping, waiting for success, 
If persevering to entreat. 

6 For Jesus in his faithful word 

The upright supplicant has blest ; 
And all thy saints with one accord 
The prevalence of pray'r attest. 

Hymn 313. c. m. 

1 TJ APPY the heart, where graces reign, 
JLJL Where love inspires the breast : 
Love is the brightest of the train, 

And strengthens all the rest. 

2 Knowledge, alas ! 'tis all in vain, 

And all in vain our fear : 
Our stubborn sins will fight and reign, 
If love be absent there. 

3 'Tis love, that makes our cheerful feet 

In swift obedience move. 
The devils know, and tremble too; 
But devils do not love. 

4 This is the grace, that lives and sings, 

When faith and hope shall cease. 
'Tis this shall strike our joyful strings 
In the sweet realms of bliss. 

Hymn 314. p. m. %. 

1 rTlHOU hidden love of God, whose height, 
JL Whose depth unfathom'd no man knows : 
I see from far thy beauteous light, 
I only sigh for thy repose ; 






DUTIES OF PIETY. 215 

My heart is pain'd, nor can it be 
At rest, till it finds rest in thee. 

2 Is there a thing beneath the sun, 

That strives with thee my heart to share? 
Ah ! tear it thence, and reign alone, 

The Lord of ev'ry motion there. 
Then shall my heart from earth be free, 
When it hath found repose in thee. 

3 Each moment draw from earth away 

My heart, that lowly waits thy call. 
Speak to my inmost soul, and say : 

" I am thy love, thy God, thy all ! " 
To feel thy pow'r, to hear thy voice, 
To taste thy love, be all my choice. 

Hymn 315. p. m. s.a &e s . 

1 X>ARENT of good! thy works of might 
JL I trace with wonder and delight ; 

Thy name is all divine. 
There's nought in earth, or sea, or air, 
Or heav'n itself, that's good or fair, 

But what is wholly thine. 

2 Immensely high thy glories rise ; 
They strike my soul with sweet surprise, 

And sacred pleasure yield : 
An ocean wide without a bound, 
Where ev'ry noble wish is drown' d, 

And ev'ry want is fill'd. 

3 To thee my warm affections move, 
In sweet astonishment and love, 

While at thy feet I fall ; 
I pant for nought beneath the skies ; 
To thee my ardent wishes rise, 

O my eternal All ! 

19* 



216 DUTIES OF PIETY. 

4 What shall I do to spread thy praise, 
My God ! through my remaining days, 

Or how thy name adore 1 
To thee I consecrate my breath ; 
Let me be thine in life and death, 
And thine for evermore. 

Hymn 316. l. m. 

1 fi REAT God ! our joyful thanks to thee, 
VJT Shall, like thy gifts, continual be : 

In constant streams thy bounty flows, 
Nor end nor interruption knows. 

2 From thee our comforts all arise, 

Our num'rous wants thy hand supplies; 
Nor can we ever, Lord, be poor, 
Who live on thine exhaustless store. 

3 Deep, Lord, upon our thankful breast 
Let all thy favours be impress' d; 
That we may never more forget 
The whole or any single debt. 

4 May we with grateful hearts each day, 
For all thy gifts our praises pay ; 
And still delighted may we be, 

In all things to give thanks to thee. 



G 



Hymn 317. l. m. 

OD of my life, through all its days 
My greatful pow'rs shall sound thy praise; 
The song shall wake with op'ning light, 
And cheer the dark and silent night. 
When anxious cares would break my rest, 
And griefs would rend my throbbing breast, 
Thy tuneful praises rais'd on high 
Shall check the murmur and the sigh. 



DUTIES OF PIETY. 217 

3 When death o'er nature shall prevail, 
And all its pow'rs of language Fail; 

Joy through my swimming eyes shall break, 
And mean the thanks I cannot speak. 

4 But, O, when that last conflict's o'er, 
And I am chain' d to earth no more; 
With what glad accents shall I rise, 
To join the music of the skies ! 

5 Soon shall I learn th' exalted strains, 
Which echo o'er the heav'nly plains; 
And emulate, with joy unknown, 

The glowing seraphs round thy throne. 

Hymn 318, s. m. 

1 "1VTY Father ! cheering name ! 
IT JL O may I call thee mine ! 
Giye me with humble hope to claim 

A portion so divine. 

2 This can my fears control, 

And bid my sorrows fly : 
. What real harm can reach my soul 
Beneath my Father's eye ? 

3 Whate'er thy will denies, 

I calmly would resign; 
For thou art just, and good, and wise : 
O bend my will to thine ! 

4 Whate'er thy will ordains, 

O give me strength to bear; 
Still let me know, a Father reigns, 
And trust a Father's care. 

5 If anguish rend this frame, 

And life almost depart : 
Is not thy mercy still the same, 
To cheer my drooping heart? 



218 DUTIES OF PIETY. 

6 Thy ways are little known 

To my weak, erring sight ; 
Yet shall my soul, believing, own, 
That all thy ways are right. 

7 My Father ! blissful name ! 

Beyond expression dear : 
If thou admit my humble claim, 
I bid adieu to fear. 

Hymn 319. c. m. 

1 S\ LORD ! my best desires fulfil, 
V^r And help me to resign 

Life, health, and comfort to thy will, 
And make thy pleasure mine. 

2 Why should I shrink at thy command, 

Whose love forbids my fears % 
Or tremble at thy gracious hand, 
That wipes away my tears ? 

3 No ; let me rather freely yield 

What most I prize to thee, 
Who never hast a good withheld, 
T)r wilt withhold from me. 

4 Wisdom and mercy guide my way ; 

Shall I resist them both ? 
Short-sighted creature of a day, 
And crush' d before the moth ! 

5 But, ah ! my heart within me cries, 

Still bind me to thy sway ; 
Else the next cloud, that veils the skies, 
Drives all these thoughts away. 

Hymn 320. cm. 

1 "WT7~HEN present suff' rings pain my heart, 
▼ ? Or future terrors rise, 



DUTIES OF PIETY. 219 

And life and hope almost depart 
From these dejected eyes : 

2 Thy pow'rful word supports my hope, 

Sweet cordial of the mind ! 

And bears my fainting spirit up, 

And bids me wait resign' d. 

3 And, oh ! whate'er of earthly bliss 

Thy providence denies, 
Accepted at thy throne .of grace 
Let this petition rise : 

4 Give me a calm, a thankful heart, 

From ev'ry murmur free; 
The blessings of thy grace impart, 
And let me live to thee. 

5 Let the sweet hope, that I am thine, 

My path of life attend ; 
Thy presence through my journey shine, 
And crown my journey's end ! 

Hymn 321. l. m. 

1 Xj^7~HY sinks my weak desponding mind? 

T T Why heaves my heart the anxious sigh? 
Can sov' reign goodness be unkind? 
Am I not safe, if God be nigh ? 

2 He holds all nature in his hand : 

That gracious hand, on which I live, 
Does life, and time, and death command, 
And has immortal joys to give. 

3 Infinite wisdom I boundless pow'r ! 

Unchanging faithfulness and love ! — 
Here let me trust, while I adore, 
Nor from my refuge e'er remove. 

4 Forgive my doubts, O gracious Lord ! 

And ease the sorrows of my breast ; 



220 DUTIES OF PIETY. 

Speak to my heart the healing word, 
That thou art mine, — and I am blest. 

Hymn 322. l. m. 

1 "\7S7"HY is my heart with grief oppress^ 

▼ T Can all the pains I feel or fear, 
Make thee, my soul, forget thy rest, 
Forget that God, thy God is near? 

2 Mortality's unnumber'd ills 

Are all beneath his sov' reign hand; 
Each pain, which this frail body feels, 
Attends, obedient, his command. 

3 Lord, form my temper to thy will ! 

If thou my faith and patience prove, 
May ev'ry painful stroke fulfil 
The purposes of faithful love ! 

4 O may this weak, this fainting mind 

A Father's hand adoring see ; 
Confess thee just, and wise, and kind, 
And trust thy word, and cleave to thee ! 

Hymn 323. s. m. 

1 XXTHEN overwhelm' d with grief) 

T f My heart within me dies : 
Helpless, and far from all relief, 
To heav'n I lift mine eyes. 

2 O lead me to the rock 

That's high above my head; 
And make the covert of thy wings, 
My shelter and my shade. 

3 Within thy presence, Lord ! 

For ever I'll abide : 
Thou art the tow'r of my defence, 
The refuge where I hide. 



m/:i 



DUTIES OF PIETY. 221 

4 Thou givest me the lot 

Of those that fear thy name. 
If endless life be their reward, 
I shall possess the same. 

Hymn 324. l. m. 

COURAGE, my soul ! while God is near, 
What enemy hast thou to fear? 
How canst thou want a sure defence, 
Whose refuge is omnipotence? 

Though thickest dangers crowd my way, 
My God can chase my fears away : 
My steadfast heart on him relies, 
And all those dangers still defies. 

Though billows after billows roll, 
To overwhelm my sinking soul ; 
Firm as a rock my faith shall stand, 
Upheld by God's almighty hand. 

In life, his presence is my aid ; 

In death, 'twill guide me through the shade; 

Chase all my rising fears away, 

And turn my darkness into day. 



XX. 

PERSONAL DUTIES. 



Hymn 325. s. m. 

1 TMPOSTURE shrinks from light, 
A And dreads the curious eye : 
But Christian truths the test invite, 
They bid us search and try. 



222 PERSONAL DUTIES. 

2 A meek, inquiring mind, 

Lord, help us to maintain ; 
That growing knowledge we may find, 
And growing virtue gain. 

3 With understanding bless' d, 

Created to be free, 
Our faith on man we dare not rest, 
Subject to none but thee. 

4 Lord, give the light we need ; 

With soundest knowledge fill; 
From noxious error guard our creed, 
From prejudice our will. 

5 The truth thou shalt impart, 

May we with firmness own; 
Abhorring each evasive art, 
And fearing thee alone. 

Hymn 326. l. m. 

1 \ WAKE, my soul ! rouse ev'ry pow'r ; 
IJl Thy Christian dignity display : 

Let lust and passion reign no more ; 
No longer own their lawless sway. 

2 Thy temper meek and humble be, 

Content and pleas' d with ev'ry state; 
From dire revenge and envy free, 
And wild ambition to be great. 

3 Confine thy roving appetites ; 

From this vain world withdraw thine eyes ; 
Fix them on those divine delights, 
Which angels taste above the skies. 

4 With eager zeal pursue the prize : 

Each fleeting hour of life improve : 

This course will speak thee truly wise, 

And raise thee to the world above. 



# 
personal duties. 223 

Hymn 327. l. m. 

1 ^k THOU, whose scales the mountains weigh ! 
\J Whose will the raging seas obey ! 

Thou, who canst hoist' rous winds control! 
Subdue the tumults of my soul. 

2 May I with equal mind sustain 
My lot of pleasure and of pain ; 
May joys and sorrows gently flow, 
Nor rise too high, nor sink too low. 

3 Do thou my passions, Lord, restrain, 
And in my soul unrivall'd reign. 
Then, with whatever loads oppress' d, 
Center' d in thee, my soul shall rest. 

4 O when shall my still wav'ring mind 
This sweetest self-possession find ! 
Fountain of joy ! I long to see 

In thee my peace, my heav'n in thee ! 

Hymn 328. c. m. 

1 f\ 'TIS a lovely thing to see 
\JF A man of prudent heart, 
Whose thoughts, and lips, and life agree 

To act a useful part. 

2 When envy, strife, and war begin 

In little angry souls ; 
Mark, how the sons of peace come in 
And quench the kindling coal* 

3 Their minds are humble, mild, and meek, 

No furious passions rise ; 
Nor malice moves their lips to speak, 
Nor pride exalts their eyes. 

4 Their lives are prudence mix'd with love ; 

Good works employ their day ; 
20 



224 PERSONAL DUTIES. 

They join the serpent with the dove, 
But cast the sting away. 

5 Such was the Saviour of mankind ; 
Such pleasures he pursu'd; 
His manners gentle and refin'd, 
His soul divinely good. 



Hymn 329. l. m. 

1 TV/TARK ! when tempestuous winds arise, 
J-TJl The wild confusion and uproar; 

All ocean mixing with the skies, 

And wrecks are dash'd upon the shore. 

2 Not less confusion racks the mind, 

By its own fierce ideas tost ; 
Calm reason is to rage resign' d, 
And in the whirl of passion lost. 

3 O self-tormenting child of pride, 

Anger, bred up in hate and strife ! 
Ten thousand ills, by thee supply' d, 
Mingle the cup of bitter life. 

4 Happy the meek, whose gentle breast, 

Clear as the summer's ev'ning ray, 
Calm as the regions of the blest, 
Enjoys on earth celestial day ! 

5 No friendships broke their bosoms sting, 

No jars their peaceful tent invade ; 
Secure beneath th' almighty wing, 
And, foes to none, of none afraid. 

6 Spirit of grace, all meek and mild ! 

Inspire our hearts, our souls possess; 
Repel each passion rude and wild, 
And bless us as we aim to bless. 



PERSONAL DUTIES 225 

Hymn 330. p. m. s, s, & e 3 . 

1 TF solid happiness we prize, 

A Within our breasts this jewel lies ; 

And they are fools who roam. 
The world has little to bestow : 
From our own selves our joys must flow ; 

Our bliss begins at home. 

2 We'll therefore relish with content 
Whate'er kind Providence has sent, 
, Nor aim beyond our pow'r : 
And if our store of wealth be small, 
With thankful heart improve it all, 

Nor waste the present hour. 

3 To be resign' d when ills betide, 
Patient when favours are denied, 

And pleas' d with favours giv'n: 
This is the wise, the virtuous part; 
This is that incense of the heart, 

Whose fragrance reaches heav'n. 

4 Thus through life's changing scenes we'll go, 
Its chequer' d paths of joy and wo 

With cautious steps we'll tread; 
Quit its vain scenes without a tear, 
Without a trouble or a fear, 

And mingle with the dead : 

5 While conscience, like a faithful friend, 
Shall through the gloomy vale attend, 

And cheer our dying breath ; 
Shall, when all other comforts cease, 
Like a kind angel, whisper peace, 

And smooth^ the bed of death. 



M 



Hymn 331. c. m. 

Y gracious God, accept my praj^r ! 
If e'er thy love divine 



226 PERSONAL DUTIES. 

Should prosper my well-meaning care, 
And wealth should e'er be mine : 

2 May humble worth, without a Fear, 

Approach my open door; 
Nor may I ever view a tear, 
Regardless, from the poor. 

3 O bless me with an honest mind, 

Above all selfish ends ; 
Humanely warm to all mankind, 
And cordial to my friends. 

4 Thee in remembrance may I bear, 

To thee my tribute raise ; 
Conclude each day with fervent pray'r, 
And wake each morn with praise. 

5 Thus through my life may I approve 

The gratitude I owe ; 
And share at length thy bliss above, 
Whose laws I keep below ! 

Hymn 332. l. m. 

1 "¥T7~HEREFORE should man, frail child of clay, 

TV Who, from the cradle to the shroud, 
Lives but the insect of a day, — 

O why should mortal man be proud ? 

2 His brightest visions just appear, 

Then vanish, and no more are found : 
The stateliest pile his pride can rear, 
A breath may level with the ground. 

3 By doubts perplex' d, in error lost, 

With trembling step he seeks his way : 
How vain of wisdom's gift the boast ! 
Of reason's lamp how faint the ray ! 

4 Follies and crimes, a countless sum, 

Are crowded in life's little span ; * 



PERSONAL DUTIES. 227 

How ill, alas, does pride become 
That erring, guilty creature, man ! 

5 God of my life ! Father divine ! 

Give me a meek and lowly mind; 
In modest worth, O let me shine, 
And peace in humble virtue find. 

* Hymn 333. l. m. 

1 jf~\FT have I turn'd mine eye within, 
V-r And brought to light some latent sin ; 
But pride, the vice I most detest, 

Still lurks securely in my breast. 

2 She hides my follies from mine eyes, 
And lifts my virtues to the skies ; 
And while the specious tale she tells, 
Her own deformity conceals. 

3 Rend, O my God ! the veil away ; 
Bring forth the monster to the day ; 
Expose her hideous form to view, 
And all her restless pow'r subdue. 

4 So shall humility divine 

Again possess this heart of mine ; 
And form a temple for my God, 
Which he will make his lov'd abode. 

Hymn 334. l. m 

1 FT1HE man, whose firm and equal mind 

JL To solid glory is inclin'd, 
Determin'd will his path pursue, 
And keep the godlike prize in view. 

2 His calm, undaunted, manly breast, 
Of virtue, honour, truth possess' d, 
Will stem the torrent of the age, 
And fearless tread this mortal stage. 

20* 



228 PERSONAL DUTIES. 

3 Amidst th' assailing ills of life, 
Pride, passion, malice, envy, strife, 
He'll act his part without disguise, 
Intrepid, gen'rous, just, and wise. 

4 In conscious rectitude secure, 
This man unshaken shall endure 
Of human woes the numerous train, 
Oppression, bondage, sickness, pain.- 

5 And when, at last, th' eternal Pow'r 
Shall fix th' irrevocable hour, 

That solemn hour which none can fly, 
Since 'tis decreed that all must die : 

6 Conscious of sov' reign mercy near, 
Its voice shall banish ev'ry fear; 
While faith and hope in joys to come 
Waft him to realms beyond the tomb. 

Hymn 335. l. m. 

1 "1%/TY God ! permit me not to be 
J_TJL A stranger to myself and thee : 
Amidst a thousand thoughts I rove. 
Forgetful of my highest love. 

2 Why should my passions mix with earth, 
And thus debase my heav'nly birth ? 
Why should I cleave to things below, 
And let my God, my Father, go % 

3 Call me away from flesh and sense ; 
Thy gracious word can draw me thence. 
I would obey the voice divine, 

And all inferior joys resign. 

4 Be earth, with all her cares, withdrawn; 
Let noise and vanity be gone : 

In secret silence of the mind, 

My heav'n, and there my God, I find. 



personal duties. 229 

Hymn 336. l. m. 

1 X> ETURN, my roving heart, return, 

JlV And chase these shadowy forms no more; 
Seek out some solitude to mourn, 
And thy forsaken God implore. 

2 Wisdom and pleasure dwell at home ; 

Retir'd and silent seek them there : 
This is the way to overcome, 

The way to break the tempter's snare. 

3 And thou, my God, whose piercing eye 

Distinct surveys each deep recess, 
In these abstracted hours draw nigh, 
And with thy presence fill the place. 

4 Through all the mazes of my heart, 

My search let heav'nly wisdom guide; 
And still its radiant beams impart, 
Till all be search' d and purified. 

5 Then with the visits of thy love 

Vouchsafe my inmost soul to cheer ; 
Till ev'ry grace shall join to prove, 
That God hath fix'd his dwelling there. 



XXI 

SOCIAL DUTIES 



Hymn 337. l. m. 

1 ' |~F high or low our station be, 
JL Of noble or ignoble name; 
By uncorrupted honesty, 

Thy blessing, Lord, we'll humbly claim. 



230 SOCIAL DUTIES. 

2 Enrich'd with that, no want we'll fear, 

Thy providence shall be our trust. 
Thou wilt supply our portion here, 
Thou friend and guardian of the just ! 

3 Oh ! may we, with sincere delight, 

To all the task of duty pay; 
Tender of ev'ry social right, 
Obedient to thy lawful sway ! 

4 Such virtue thou wilt not forget 

In that best world, where virtue shares 
A fit reward ; though not of debt, 

But what thy boundless grace prepares. 

Hymn 338. c. m. 

1 /^i OME, let us search our ways and try ; 
Vy Have they been just and right ? 

Is the great rule of equity 
Our practice and delight ? 

2 What we would have our neighbour do, 

Have we still done the same ? 
From others ne'er withheld the due, 
Which we from others claim ? 

3 Have we ne'er envied others' good, 

Nor envied others' praise? 
In no man's path malignant stood, 
Nor us'd detraction's ways? 

4 Have we not, deaf to his request, 

Turn'd from another's wo? 
The scorn, which wrings the sufF'rer's breast, 
Have we abhorr'd to shew? 

5 Then may we raise our modest pray'r 

To God, the just and kind ; 
May humbly cast on him our care, 
And hope his grace to find. 



SOCIAL DUTIES, 231 

6 Religion's path they never trod, 
Who equity contemn; 
Nor ever are they just to God, 
Who prove unjust to men. ., 

Hymn 339. l. m. 

1 ^V GOD, my Saviour, and my King, 
V-f Of all I have or hope the spring ! 
Send down thy Spirit from above, 
And warm my heart with holy love. 

2 May I from ev'ry act abstain, 
That gives another grief or pain ; 
Still may I feel my heart inclin'd, 
To be the friend of all mankind. 

3 With pity let my breast o'erflow, 
When I behold a brother's wo ; 
And bear a sympathizing part, 
Whene'er I meet a wounded heart. 

4 And let my neighbour's prosperous state 
A mutual joy in me create ; 

His virtuous triumph let me join ; 
His peace and happiness be mine. 

5 Yea, though my neighbour's hate I prove, 
Still let me vanquish hate with love ; 
Slow to resent, though he would grieve, 
But always ready to forgive. 

6 Let love through all my conduct shine, 
An image fair, though faint, of thine ; 
Let me thy humble fol'wer prove, 
Father of men, great God of love ! 

Hymn 340. c. m. 

1 ' f ET Pharisees of high esteem 
JLi Their faith and zeal declare : 



232 SOCIAL DUTIES. 

All their religion is a dream, • 
If love be wanting there. 

2 Love suffers long with patient eye, 

Nor is provok'd in haste; 

She lets the present inj'ry die, 

And long forgets the past. 

3 Malice and rage, those fires of hell, 

She quenches with her tongue ; 
Hopes and believes and thinks no ill, 
Though she endures the wrong. 

4 She ne'er desires nor seeks to know 

The scandals of the time ; 
Nor looks with pride on those below, 
Nor envies those that climb. 

5 She lays her own advantage by, 

To seek her neighbour's good. 
So God's own Son came down to die, 
And save us by his blood. 

6 Love is the grace that keeps her pow'r 

In all the realms above ; 
There faith and hope are known no more, 
But saints for ever love. 



B 



Hymn 341. l. m. 

LEST is the man, whose heart is kind 
And melts with pity to the poor ; 
Who, with a sympathizing mind, 
Feels what his fellow-men endure, 

2 His heart contrives for their relief 

More good than his own hands can do ; 
He in the time of gen'ral grief 
Shall find, the Lord hath pity too. 



SOCIAL DUTIES. 233 

This man shall live secure on earth, 

With secret blessings on his head; 
Though sword, or pestilence, or dearth, 

Around him multiply their dead. 

Or, if with mortal sufT rings try'd, 

SufF' rings shall all his soul refine; 
Sweet hope his refuge shall provide. 

And minister a bliss divine. 



F 



Hymn 342. p. m. 7s. 

ATHER of our feeble race, 
Wise, beneficent, and kind ! 
Spread o'er nature's ample face, 

Flows thy goodness unconfmM. 
Musing in the silent grove, 

Or the busy walks of men, 
Still we trace thy wond'rous love, 
Claiming large returns again. 

Lord, what off' rings shall we bring, 

At thine altars when we bow 1 
Hearts, the pure unsullied spring, 

Whence the kind affections flow ; 
Soft compassion's feeling soul, 

By the melting eye express' d; 
Sympathy, at whose control 

Sorrow leaves the tortur'd breast; 

Willing hands to lead the blind, 

Bind the wound, or feed the poor; 
Love, embracing all our kind ; 

Charity, with lib' ral store. 
Teach us, O thou heav'nly King, 

Thus to show our grateful mind ; 
Thus th' accepted off' ring bring, 

Love to thee and all mankind. 



234 SOCIAL DUTIES. 

Hymn 343. c. m. 

1 T> RIGHT source of everlasting love ; 

JLJ To thee our souls we raise ; 
And to thy matchless bounty rear 
A monument of praise. 

2 Thy mercy gildVthe path of life 

With ev'ry cheering ray; 

Kindly restrains the rising tear, 

Or wipes that tear away. 

3 When, sunk in guilt, our race approach' d 

The borders of despair ; 
Thy grace through Jesus' blood proclaim' d 
A free salvation near. 

4 What shall we render, bounteous Lord, 

For all the grace we see %. 
Alas ! the goodness worms can yield 
Extend eth not to thee. 

5 To tents of wo, to beds of pain, 

Our cheerful feet repair ; 
And, with the gifts thy hand bestows. 
Relieve the mourners there. 

6 The widow's heart shall sing for joy ; 

The orphan shall be glad ; 
And hung' ring souls we'll gladly point 
To Christ, the living bread. 

7 Thus, passing through this vale of tears, 

Our useful light shall shine; 
And others learn to glorify 
Our Father's name divine. 

Hymn 344 l. m. 

1 /^V WHAT stupendous mercy shines 
\J Around the majesty of heav'n! 



SOCIAL DUTIES. 235 

Rebel# he deigns to call his sons, 

Their souls renew' d, their sins forgiv'n. 

2 Go, imitate the grace divine, 

The grace that blazes like a sun ; 
Hold forth your fair, though feeble light, 
Through all your lives let mercy run. 

3 Upon your bounty's willing wings, 

Swift let the needed blessings fly ; 
The hungry feed, the naked clothe, 
To pain and sickness help apply, 

4 Pity the weeping widow's wo, 

And be her counsellor and stay; 
Adopt the fatherless, and smoothe 
To useful, happy life his way. 

5 Let age with want and weakness bow'd 

Your mercy and compassion move ; 
Let e'en your enemies be bless' d, 
Their hatred recompens'd with love. 

Hymn 345. l. m. 

1 fi REAT God ! whilst I thy love admire, 
vJT Grant me to catch the sacred fire : 
Thus shall my heav'nly birth be known, 
And as thy child thou wilt me own. 

2 Father, I see thy sun arise. 

To cheer thy friends and enemies ; 

And when from heav'n thy rain descends, 

Thy bounty both alike befriends. 

3 Enlarge my soul with love like thine ; 
My mortal pow'rs by grace refine : 
So shall I feel another's wo, 

And freely feed a hungry foe. 

4 I hope for pardon, through thy Son, 
For all the crimes which I have done : 

21 



236 SOCIAL DUTIES. 

Then may the grace, that pardons me, * 
Constrain me to forgive like thee. 

Hymn 346. s. m. 

1 T3 EHOLD, where, breathing love, 
J3 Our dying Master stands ! 

His weeping fol'wers gath'ring round, 
Receive his last commands. 

2 From that mild Saviour's lips 

What tender accents fell ! 
The gentle precept, which he gave, 
Became its author well. 

3 Blest is the man, whose heart 

Feels all another's pain; 
To whom the supplicating eye 
Was never rais'd in vain; 

4 Whose breast expands with warmth, 

A stranger's wo to feel, 
And bleeds in pity o'er the wound 
He wants the pow'r to heal. 

5 To offices of love 

His feet are never slow; 
, He views through mercy's melting eye 
A brother in a foe. 

6 Peace from his Father God, 

My peace to him I give ; 
And, when he kneels before the throne, 
His trembling soul shall live. 

7 To him shall grace be shewn; 

And mercy from above 
Descend on those, who thus fulfil 
The perfect law of love. 






SOCIAL DUTIES. 237 

Hymn 347. c. m. 

1 "p|AUGHTERS of pity, tune the lay; 

I 9 To mourners joy belongs ; 
While he, that wipes all tears away, 
Accepts our thankful spngs. 

2 No altars smoke, no off' rings bleed, 

No guiltless lives expire ; 
To help a brother in his need, 
Is all our rites require. 

3 Our off' ring is a willing mind 

To comfort the distress' d; 
In others' good our own we find, 
In others' blessing bless' d. 

4 Go to the pillow of disease, 

Where night gives no repose, - 
And on the cheek, where sickness preys, 
Bid health to plant a rose. 

5 Go where the friendless stranger lies; 

To perish is his doom ; 
Snatch from the grave his closing eyes, 
And bring his blessing home. 

6 Thus, what our heav'nly Father gave, 

Shall we as freely give ; 
Thus copy him, who liv'd to save, 
And died that we might live. 

Hymn 348. c. m. 

Charity or Sunday school. 



B 



LEST is the man whose heart expands 
At melting pity's call, 
And the rich blessings of whose hands 
Like heav'nly manna fall. 



238 SOCIAL DUTIES. 

2 Be ours the bliss in wisdom's way 

To guide untutor'd youth, 
And lead the mind that went astray 
To virtue and to truth. 

3 Children our kind protection claim ; 

And God will well approve, , 
When infants learn to lisp his name, 
And their Creator love. 

4 Delightful work, young souls to win, 

And turn the rising race 
From the deceitful paths of sin, 
To seek redeeming grace ! 

5 Almighty God ! thine influence shed, 

To aid this good design : 
The honours of thy name be spread, 
And all the glory thine. 

Hymn 349. l. m. 

Candour and Toleration. 

1 \ LL-seeing God ! 'tis thine to know 

jlJL The springs whence wrong opinions flow ; 
To judge, from principles within, 
When frailty errs, and when we sin. 

2 Who among men, great Lord of all ! 
Thy servant to his bar shall call % 
Judge him, for modes of faith, thy foe, 
And doom him to the realms of wo % 

3 Who with another's eye can read? 
Or worship by another's creed? 
Trusting thy grace, we form our own, 
And bow to thy commands alone. 

4 If wrong, correct ; accept, if right ; 
While faithful we improve our light, 
Condemning none, but zealous still 
To learn and follow all thy will. 



s2*A- 



social duties. 239 

Hymn 350. l. m. 

ABSURD and vain attempt ! to bind 
With iron chains the free-born mind, 
To force conviction, and reclaim 
The wand' ring by destructive flame. 

Bold arrogance ! to snatch from heav'n 
Dominion not to mortals giv'n ; 
O'er conscience to usurp the throne, 
Accountable to God alone. 

Jesus ! thy gentle law of love 
Does no such cruelties approve ; 
Mild as thyself, thy doctrine wields 
No arms but what persuasion yields 

Py proofs divine, and reason strong, 
It draws the willing soul along ; 
And conquests to thy church acquires 
By eloquence which heav'n inspires. 

O happy, who are thus compell'd 
To the rich feast, by Jesus held ! 
May we this blessing know, and prize 
The light which liberty supplies. 

Hymn 351. s. m. 

Christian Unity. 

ET party -names no more 
The Christian world o'erspread : 
Gentile and Jew, and bond and free, 
Are one in Christ their head. 

Among the saints on earth 

Let mutual love be found : 
Heirs of the same inheritance, 
. With mutual blessings crown' d. 
21* 



L 



240 SOCIAL DUTIES. 

3 Let envy, child of hell ! 

Be banish' d far away : 
Those should in strictest friendship dwell, 
Who the same Lord obey. 

4 Thus will the church below 

Resemble that above, 
Where streams of pleasure ever flow, 
And ev'ry heart is love. 

Hymn 352. s. m. 

1 TT>LEST be the tie, that binds 
J3 Our hearts in Christian love ! 
The fellowship of kindred minds 

Is like to that above. 

2 Before our Father's throne, 

We pour our ardent pray'rs : 
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, 
Our comforts and our cares. 

3 We share our mutual woes, 

Our mutual burdens bear ; 
And often for each other flows 
The sympathizing tear. 

4 When we asunder part, 

It gives us inward pain : 
But we shall still be join'd in heart, 
And hope to meet again. 

5 From sorrow, toil, and pain, 

And sin, we shall be free ; 
And perfect love and friendship reign 
Through all eternity. 

Hymn 353. c. m. 

Virtuous Love of Country. 

ARENT of all, Omnipotent 
In heav'n, and earth below ! 



p 



SOCIAL DUTIES. 241 

Through all creation's vast extent, 
Whose streams of goodness flow : 

2 Teach me to know, from whence I rose, 

And unto what design' d; 
Nor selfish aims may I propose, 
Since link'd with human kind. 

3 But chief to hear my country's voice 

May my best thoughts incline : 
'Tis reason's law, 'tis virtue's choice, 
'Tis nature's call, and thine. 

4 Me from fair freedom's sacred cause 

'May nothing e'er divide ; 
Nor grandeur, gold, nor vain applause, 
Nor friendship false misguide. 

5 To duty, honour, virtue true, 

In all my country's weal, 
Let rne my public walk pursue : 
So, God, thy favour deal ! 

Hymn 354. l. m. 

Pious Friendship. 

1 TTOW blest the sacred tie, that binds 
J_ JL In union sweet, according minds ! 
How swift the heav'nly course they run, 
Whose hearts, whose faith, whose hones are one! 

2 To each, the soul of each how dear ! 
What watchful love, what holy fear ! 
How doth the gen'rous flame within 
Refine from earth, and cleanse from sin ! 

3 Their streaming eyes together flow 
For human guilt and mortal wo ; 
Their ardent pray'rs together rise, 
Like mingling flames in sacrifice. 



242 SOCIAL DUTIES. 

4 Together both they seek the place, 
Where God reveals his awful face; 

How high, how strong, their raptures swell, 
There's none but kindred souls can tell. 

5 Nor shall the glowing flame expire 
'Midst nature's drooping, sick'ning fire : 
Soon shall they meet in realms above, 
A heav'n of joy, because of love. 

Hymn 355. l. m. 

Family Duties. 

1 |jl ATHER of men ! thy care we bless, 
Jl Which crowns our families with peace. 
From thee they spring, and by thy hand 
They have been and are still sustain'd. 

2 To God, most worthy to be prais'd, 
Be our domestic altars rais'd : 

Who, Lord of heav'n, scorns not to dwell 
With saints in their obscurest cell. 

3 To thee let each united house, 
Morning and night, present its vows; 
Our servants there, and rising race, 
Be taught thy precepts and thy grace. 

4 O may each future age proclaim 
The honours of thy glorious name # , 
While, pleas' d and thankful, we remove 
To join the family above. 

Hymn 356, c. m. 

1 /~\F justice and of truth I sing, 
V-/ And pay to God my vows : 
With truth and justice, heav'nly King! 
Teach me to rule my house. 






SOCIAL DUTIES. 243 

2 Now to my tent, O God ! be near, 

And make thy servant wise ; 
And let me suffer nothing there, 
That shall offend thine eyes. 

3 The man who doth his neighbour wrong, 

Or dares oppress the poor, 
The scornful eye, the sland'rous tongue, 
Be distant from my door. 

4 Still may I seek the good and just, 

And still their help enjoy ; 
Such be the friends that I shall trust, 
The servants I employ. 

5 While sin in others I reprove, 

Be ev'ry virtue mine; 
And let the wisdom from above 
Through all my conduct shine. 

6 Who shall the most in love abound, 

Our sole contention be : 
So shall my house be ever found 
A dwelling dear to thee ! 

Hymn 357. s. m. 

1 " | O, what a pleasing sight 

I A Are brethren that agree ! 
How blest are all, whose hearts unite 
In bonds of piety ! 

2 From those celestial springs, 

Such streams of comfort flow, 
As no increase of riches brings, 
Nor honours can bestow. 

3 All in their stations move, 

And each performs his part, 
In all the cares of life and love. 
With sympathizing heart. 



244 PUBLIC WORSHIP. 

4 Form'd for the purest joys, 

By one desire possess' d, 
One aim the zeal of all employs, 
To make each other blest. 

5 No bliss can equal theirs, 

Where such aifections meet ; 
While praise devout, and mingled pray'rs 
Make their communion sweet. 

6 'Tis the same pleasure fills 

The breast in worlds above ; 
Where joy like morning-dew distils, 
And all the air is love. 



XXII. 

PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



Hymn 358. cm. 

1 TTOW did my heart rejoice, to hear 
J-X My friends devoutly say : 

"In Zion let us all appear, 
And keep the solemn day." 

2 I love her gates, I love the road : 

The church, adorn' d with grace, 
Stands like a palace built for God, 
To show his milder face. 

3 Peace be within this sacred place, 

And joy a constant guest ! 
With holy gifts and heav'nly grace 
Be her attendants blest ! 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 245 

My soul shall pray for Zion still, 

While life or breath remains. 
There my best friends, my kindred dwell ; 

There God, my Saviour, reigns. 

Hymn 359. s. m. 

1 X LOVE thy Zion, Lord ! 
JL The house of thine abode; 
The church, O blest Redeemer ! sav'd 

With thine own precious blood. 

2 I love thy church, O God ! 
Her walls before thee stand, 

Dear as the apple of thine eye, 
And graven on thy hand, 

3 If e'er to bless thy sons 
My voice or hands deny : 

These hands let useful skill forsake, 
This voice in silence die., 

4 If e'er my heart forget 
Her welfare or her wo : 

Let ev'ry joy this heart forsake, 
And ev'ry grief o'erflow. 

5 For her my tears shall fall ; 
For her my pray'rs ascend; 

To her my cares and toils be giv'n, 
'Till toils and cares shall end. 

6 Beyond my highest joy 
I prize her heav'nly ways, 

Her sweet communion, solemn vows, 
Her hymns of love and praise. 

Hymn 360. c. m. 

1 \ WAKE, ye saints, to praise your King, 
Your sweetest passions raise ; 



246 PUBLIC WORSHIP. 

Your pious pleasures, while you sing, 
Increasing with the praise. 

2 Great is the Lord, and works unknown 

Are his divine employ : 
But still his saints are near his throne, 
His treasure and his joy. 

3 O Zion, trust the living God ; 

Serve him with faith and fear : 

He makes thy courts his blest abode, 

And claims thine honours here. 

Hymn 361. l. m. 

1 y~1 OME, let our voices Join to raise 
\-J A sacred song of solemn praise. 
God is a sov' reign King : rehearse 
His honours in exalted verse. 

2 Come, let our souls address the Lord, 
Who fram'd our natures with his word. 
He is the Shepherd ; we the sheep 

His mercy choose, his pastures keep. 

3 Seize the kind promise, while it waits, 
And march to Zion's heav'nly gates. 
Believe, and take the promis'd rest; 
Obey, and be forever blest. 

Hymn 362. l. m. 

1 TTTAPPY the men, whom strength divine 
XX With ardent love and zeal inspires ! 
Whose steps to thy blest way incline, 

With willing hearts and warm desires. 

2 One day within thy sacred gate 

Affords more real joy to me, 
Than thousands in the tents of state ; 
The meanest place is bliss with thee. 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 247 

i 

3 God is a sun : our brightest day 

From his reviving presence flows. 
God is a shield, through all the way, 
To guard us from surrounding foes. 

4 O Lord of hosts, thou God of grace ! 

How blest, divinely blest is he, 
Who trusts thy love, and seeks thy face, 
And fixes all his hopes on thee ! 

Hymn 363. p. m. 

1 T ORD of the worlds above, 

I i How pleasant and how fair, 
The dwellings of thy love, 
Thine earthly temples are ! 
To thine abode 
My heart aspires, 
With warm desires 
To see my God. 

2 O happy souls that pray 

Where God appoints to hear ! 
O happy men that pay 

Their constant service there ! 
They praise thee still ; 
And happy they, 
Who love the way 
To Zion's hill. 

3 They go from strength to strength, 

Through this dark vale of tears; 
Till each arrives at length, 
Till each in heav'n appears; 
O glorious seat, 
When God our King 
Shall thither bring 
Our willing feet ! 
22 



248 PUBLIC WORSHIP. 

Hymn 364. p. m. 

1 fi REAT Father of mankind ! 
vT We bless that wondrous grace, 
Which could for Gentiles find 

Within thy courts a place. 

How kind the care 
Our God displays, 
For us to raise 

A house of pray' r I 

2 To thee ourselves we join, 

And love thy sacred name ; 
No more our own, but thine, 
We triumph in thy claim. 
Our Father-king, 
Thy cov'nant-grace 
Our souls embrace, 
Thy titles sing. 

3 May all the nations throng 

To worship in thy house ; 
And thou attend the song, 
And smile upon their vows, 
Indulgent still, 
Till earth conspire 
To join the choir 
On Zion's hill. 

Hymn 365. c. m. 

1 FT1HE Lord in Zion plac'd his name, 

JL His ark was settled there; 
To Zion the whole nation came 
To worship thrice a year. 

2 But we have no such lengths to go, 

Nor wander far abroad; 
Where'er thy saints assemble now, 
There is a house for God. 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 249 

3 Here, mighty God ! accept our vows; 

Here let thy praise be spread. 
Bless the provisions of thy house, 
And fill thy poor with bread. 

4 Here let the son of David reign, 

Let God's anointed shine ; 
Justice and truth his court maintain, 
With love and pow'r divine. 

Hymn 366. l. m. 

1 ' ORD ! 'tis a pleasant thing, to stand 

I A In gardens planted by thy hand. 
Let me within thy courts be seen, 
Like a young cedar, fresh and green. 

2 There grow thy saints in faith and love, 
Blest with thine influ'nce from above : 
Not Lebanon, with all its trees, 
Yields such a comely sight as these. 

3 The plants of grace shall ever live; 
Nature decays, but grace must thrive; 
Time, that doth all things else impair, 
Shall make them flourish strong and fair. 

4 Laden with fruits of age, they show, 
The Lord is holy, just, and true. 
None, that attend his courts shall find 
A God unfaithful or unkind. 

Hymn 367. c. m. 

1 XITHEREWITH shall I approach the Lord, 

▼ ▼ And bow before his throne % 
Oh ! how procure his kind regard, 
And for my guilt atone ; 

2 Shall altars flame, and victims bleed, 

And spicy fumes ascend ? 



250 PUBLIC WORSHIP. 

Will these my earnest wish succeed, 
And make my God my friend? 

3 O no, my soul ! 'twere fruitless all ; 

Such offerings are vain : 
No fatlings from the field or stall 
His favour can obtain. 

4 To men their rights I must allow, 

And proofs of kindness give ; 
To God with humble rev'rence bow, 
And to his glory live. 

5 Hands that are clean, and hearts sincere, 

He never will despise ; 
And cheerful duty he'll prefer 
To costly sacrifice. 

Hymn 368. s. m. 

1 ~V1[7~ITH joy we lift our eyes 

▼ ▼ To those bright realms above, 
That glorious temple in the skies, 
Where dwells eternal love. 

2 Thee we adore, O Lord ! 

And filial duty pay. 
Thy service, unconstrain'd and free, 
Conducts to endless day. 

3 While in thy house we kneel 

With trust and holy fear; 
Thy mercy and thy truth reveal, 
And lend a gracious ear. 

4 O teach our hearts to pray, 

And tune our lips to sing ! 
Nor from thy presence cast away 
The sacrifice we bring. 



public worship. 251 

Hymn 369. l. m. 

1 \ WAY from ev'ry mortal care, 
X3L Away from earth, our souls retreat; 
We leave this worthless world afar, 

And wait and worship near thy seat. 

2 Lord, in the temple of thy grace, 

We bow before thee and adore; 
We view the glories of thy face, 

And learn the wonders of thy pow'r. 

3 Whilst here our various wants we mourn, 

United pray'rs ascend on high; 
And faith expects a sure return 
Of blessings in variety, 

4 Father ! my soul would here abide ; 

Or, if my feet must hence depart, 
Still keep me, Father, near thy side, 
Still keep thy dwelling in my heart. 

Hymn 370. c. m. 

1 TTjl ARLY, my God, without delay, 
JL-J I haste to seek thy face ; 

My thirsty spirit faints away, 
Without thy cheering grace. 

2 So pilgrims on the scorching sand, 

Beneath a burning sky, 
Lo"ng for a cooling stream at hand, 
And they must drink or die. 

3 I've seen thy glory and thy pow'r 

Through all thy temple shine : 
My God, repeat that heav'nly hour, 
That vision so divine, 

4 Not all the blessings of a feast 

Can please my soul so well, 






252 PUBLIC WORSHIP. 

As when thy richer grace I taste, 
And in thy presence dwell. 
5 Not life itself with all her joys, 
Can my best passions move, 

Or raise so high my cheerful voice. 
As thy forgiving love. 

Hymn 371. p. m. s s &7s. 

1 X> RAISE to God, the great Creator, 
JL Bounteous source of all our joy ! 
He whose hand upholds all nature, 

He whose nod can all destroy. 
Saints, with pious zeal attending, 

Now the grateful tribute raise ; 
Solemn songs to heav'n ascending, 

Join the universal praise. 

2 Round his awful footstool kneeling, 

Lowly bend with contrite souls ; 
Here, his milder grace revealing, 

Here his wrath no thunder rolls. 
Lo, the sacred page before us 

Bears the cov'nant of his love; 
Full of mercy to restore us, 

Mercy beaming from above. 

3 Ev'ry secret fault confessing, 

Deed unrighteous, thought of sin, 
Seize, O seize the proffer' d blessing, 

Grace from God and peace within. 
Heart and voice with rapture swelling, 

Still the song of glory raise ; 
On the theme immortal dwelling, 

Join the universal praise. 

Hymn 372. l. m. 

The Lord's Day. 
1 \ NOTHER six days' work is done, 
jljl Another Sabbath is begun : 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 253 

Return, my soul, enjoy thy rest, 
Improve the day thy God has blest. 

Come, bless the Lord, whose love assigns 
So sweet a rest to weary' d minds; 
Provides an antepast of heav'n, 
And gives this day the food of sev'n. 

O that our thoughts and thanks may rise, 
As grateful incense,, to the skies ; 
And draw from heav'n that sweet repose, 
Which none, but he who feels it, knows. 

With joy, great God ! thy works we view 
In various scenes both old and new ; 
With praise we think on mercies past, 
With hope we future pleasures taste. 

In holy duties let the day, 
In holy pleasures pass away. 
How sweet, a sabbath thus to spend, 
In hope of one that ne'er shall end. 



L 



Hymn 373. l. m. 

ORD of the sabbath ! hear our vows 
On this thy day, in this thy house ; 
And own, as grateful sacrifice, 
The songs which from thy churches rise. 

Thine earthly sabbaths, Lord ! we love ; 
But there's a nobler rest above. 
Thy servants to that rest aspire 
With ardent hope and strong desire. 

There languor shall no more oppress ; 
The heart shall feel no more distress ; 
No groans shall mingle with the songs, 
That dwell upon immortal tongues. 

No gloomy cares shall there annoy, 
No conscious guilt disturb our joy ; 



254 PUBLIC WORSHIP. 

But ev'ry doubt and fear shall cease, 
And perfect love give perfect peace. 

5 When shall that glorious day begin, 
Beyond the reach of death or sin ; 
Whose sun shall nev*r more decline, 
But with unfading lustre shine ! 

Hymn 374. c. m 

1 "jp REQUENT the day of God returns, 
J- To shed its quick'ning beams; 
And yet how slow devotion burns ! 

How languid are its flames ! 

2 Accept our faint attempts to love ; 

Our frailties, Lord ! forgive. 
We would be like thy saints abovj, 
And praise thee while we live. 

3 Increase, O Lord ! our faith and hope, 

And fit us to ascend 
Where the assembly ne'er breaks up, 
The sabbath ne'er shall end ; 

4 Where we shall breathe in heav'nly air, 

With heav'nly lustre shine ; 
Before the throne of God appear. 
And feast on love divine. 

Hymn 375. l. m. 

1 C1WEET is the work, my God, my King! 
k3 To praise thy name, give thanks, and sing ; 
To show thy love by morning light, 
And talk of all thy truth at night. 

2 Sweet is the day of sacred rest : 
No mortal care shall fill my breast ; 
My heart shall triumph in the Lord, 
And bless his works, and bless his, word. 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 255 

And I shall share a glorious part, 
When grace hath well refin'd my heart, 
When doubts and fears no more remain, 
To break my inward peace again. 

Then shall I see, and hear, and know, 
All I desir'd or wish'd below ; 
And ev'ry pow'r find sweet employ 
In the eternal world of joy. 

Hymn 376. c. m. 

THIS is the day the Lord hath made ; 
He calls the hours his own. 
Let heav'n rejoice, let earth be glad, 
And praise surround the throne. 

To-day arose our glorious head, 

And death's dread empire fell, 
To-day the saints his triumph spread, 

And all its wonders tell. 

Hosannah ! the anointed King 

Ascends his destin'd throne : 
To God your grateful homage bring, 

And his Messiah own. 

Blest be the Lord, who came to men 

With messages of grace ; 
Who came in God his Father's name, 

To save our sinful race. 

Hosannah in the highest strains 

The church on earth can raise ! 
The highest heav'ns, in which he reigns, 

Shall give him nobler praise. 



'A 



Hymn 377. s. m, 

GAIN the Lord of light 
Awakes the kindling ray 



256 PUBLIC WORSHIP. 

Unseals the eyelids of the morn, 
And pours increasing day. 

2 O what a night was that 

Which wrapt mankind in gloom ! 
O what a sun, which broke this day 
Triumphant from the tomb ! 

3 This day be homage paid, 

And loud hosannahs sung ; 
Let gladness dwell in ev'ry heart, 
And praise on ev'ry tongue. 

4 Ten thousand lips shall join 

To hail this welcome morn, 
Which scatters blessings from its wings 
To nations yet unborn. 

Hymn 378. c. m. 

1 T~I AIL, happy morn ! whose early ray 
JLjL Beheld the Saviour rise. 
Welcome again, auspicious day ! 

To our reviving eyes. 

2 On this blest morn, birth-day of hope ! 

Let not one soul be sad. 
This is the day the Lord hath made, 
And bids his saints be glad. 

3 Come, and the wonders of the day 

In notes harmonious sing : 
Tell to the world the conquests gain'd 
By your victorious King. 

4 O happy souls, that feel the pow'r 

Of his attractive love ! 
With him they die, with him they live, 
And seek the things above. 



L 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 257 

Hymn 379. p. m. as & 7s. 

Close of the Service. 

ORD, dismiss us with thy blessing; 
Fill our hearts with joy and peace ! 



Let us each, thy love possessing, 
Triumph in redeeming grace. 
O refresh us, 
Traveling through this wilderness* 

Thanks we give and adoration 

For thy gospel's joyful sound. 
May the fruits of thy salvation 
In our hearts and lives abound I 
May thy presence 
With us evermore be found ! 

Hymn 380. p. m. 7s. 

THANKS for mercies past receive ; 
Pardon of our sins renew ; 
Teach us henceforth how to live, 
With eternity in view. 

fftess thy word to old and young ; 
" Grant us, Lord ! thy peace and love ; 
And, when life's short course is run, 
Take us to thy house above. 

Hymn 381. l. m. 

The Christian Farewell. 

THY presence, everlasting God ! 
Wide through all nature spreads abroad; 
Thy watchful eyes, which never sleep, 
In ev'ry place thy children keep. 

While near each other we remain, 
Thou dost our lives and pow'rs sustain; 



258 BAPTISM. 

When sep'rate, we rejoice to share 
Thy counsels and thy gracious care. 

3 To thee we now commit our ways, 
And still implore thy heav'nly grace 
Still cause thy face on us to shine, 
And guard and guide us still as thine. 

4 Give us, in thy beloved house, 
Again to pay our grateful vows ; 
Or, if that joy no more be known, ' 
Give us to meet around thy throne. 



XXIII. 

BAPTISM. 



Hymn 382. c. m. 

Of Adults. 

1 " T>ROCLAIM," said Christ, "God's won- 

JL drous grace 

To all the sons of men : 
He who believes and is baptis'd, 
Salvation shall obtain.' 3 

2 Let plenteous grace descend on those, 

Who, hoping in his word, 
This day have publicly declar'd, 
That Jesus is their Lord. 

3 With cheerful feet may they go on, 

And run the Christian race ; 
And, in the troubles of the way, 
Find all-sufficient grace. 



BAPTISM. 259 



4 And when the awful message comes, 
To call their souls away ; 
May they be found prepar'd to live 
In realms of endless day. 

Hymn 383. s. m. 

Baptism of Children. 

1 T ORD ! what our ears have heard, 
J_J Our eyes delighted trace, 

Thy love in long succession shown 
To ev'ry virtuous race. 

2 Our children thou dost claim, 

And mark them out for thine : 
Ten thousand blessings to thy name 
For goodness so divine ! 

3 Thy cov'nant may they keep, 

And bless the happy bands, 
Which closer still engage their hearts 
To honour thy commands. 

4 How great thy mercies, Lord ! 

How plenteous is thy grace, 
Which in the promise of thy love 
Includes our rising race ! 

5 Our offspring, still thy care, 

Shall own their Father's God, 

To latest times thy blessings share, 

And sound thy praise abroad. 



Hymn 384 c. m. 

EE Israel's gentle Shepherd stand, 
With all-engaging charms ! 
Hark ! how he calls the tender lambs, 
And takes them in his arms ! 
23 



•s 



260 BAPTISM. 

2 " Permit them to approach, (he cries) 

Nor scorn their humble name; 
It was to save such souls as these, 
With pow'r and love I came." 

3 We bring them, Lord, with grateful hearts, 

And yield them up to thee ; 
Rejoic'd that we ourselves are thine, 
Thine let our offspring be ! 

4 Thus Lydia's house was sanctified, 

When she received the word; 
Thus the believing jailor gave 
His family to the Lord. 

5 Ye little flock, with pleasure hear, 

Ye children, seek his face ; 
And fly with transport to receive 
The gospel of his grace. 

6 If orphans they are left behind, 

Thy care, O God ! we trust ; 
And let thy promise cheer our hearts, 
If weeping o'er their dust. 

Hymn 385. c. m. 

Practical Improvement of Baptism. 

1 \ TTEND, ye children of your God, 
JljL Ye heirs of glory, hear; 

Let accents so divine as these 
Engage th' attentive ear : — 

2 Baptis'd into your Saviour's death, 

Your souls to sin must die ; 
With Christ your Lord ye live anew, 
With Christ ascend on high. 

3 Rise from these earthly trifles, rise, 

On wings of faith and love ; 
In heav'n your choicest treasure lies, 
And be your hearts above. 



the lord's supper. 261 

xxrv. 

THE LORD'S SUPPER. 



Hymn 386. c. m. 

1 /^i OMB, let us join our souls to God 
\^y In everlasting bands ; 

And seize the blessings he bestows, 
With eager hearts and hands. 

2 Come, let us seal, without delay, 

The cov'nant of his grace ; 
Nor shall the years of distant life 
Its memory efface. 

3 Thus may our rising offspring haste 

To seek their fathers' God ; 
Nor e'er forsake the happy path 
Their youthful feet have trod. 

Hymn 387. l. m. 

1 TpWAS on that dreadful, doleful night, 

JL When the whole pow'r of darkness rose 
Against the Son of God's delight, 
And friends betray' d him to his foes; 

2 Before the mournful scene began, 

He took the bread, and bless' d, and brake : 
What love through all his actions ran ! 

What wondrous words of grace he spake ! 

3 " This is my body broke for sin ; 

Receive and eat the living food." 
Then took the cup and bless' d the wine : 
"'Tis the new cov'nant in my blood. 51 



262 the lord's supper. 

4 "Do this (he cried) till time shall end, 
In mem'ry of your dying friend: 
Meet at my table, and record 

The love of your departed Lord." 

Hymn 388. l. m. 

1 " 1/1 AT, drink, in mem'ry of your friend." 

■ J Such was our Master's last request; 
Who all the pangs of death endur'd, 
That we might live for ever blest. 

2 Yes, we'll record thy matchless grace, 

Thou dearest, tend' rest, best of friends! 
Thy dying love the noblest praise 
Of long eternity transcends. 

3 'Tis pleasure more than earth can give, 

Thy goodness through these veils to see. 
Thy table food celestial yields ; 

And happy they, who sit with thee. 

4 But, oh ! what vast transporting joys 

Shall fill our breasts, our tongues inspire, 
When, join'd with the celestial train, 
Our grateful souls thy love admire ! 

Hymn 389. l. m. 

1 TflHIS feast was Jesus' high behest, 

JL This cup of thanks his last request. 
Ye, who can feel his worth, attend : 
Eat, drink, in mem'ry of your friend. 

2 Around the patriot's bust ye throng; 
Him ye exalt in swelling song ; 
For him the wreath of glory bind, 
Who freed from vassalage his kind. 

3 And shall not he your praises reap, 
Who rescues from the iron sleep ? 



THE lord's supper. 263 

The great Deliverer, whose breath 
Unbinds the captives e'en of death? 

4 Shall he, who, sinful men to save, 
Became a tenant of the grave, 
Unthank'd, uncelebrated, rise, 
Pass unremember'd to the skies? 

5 Christians ! unite with loud acclaim, 
To hymn the Saviour's welcome name. 
On earth extol his wondrous love ; 
Repeat his praise in worlds above. 

Hymn 390. s. m. 

1 TESUS invites his saints 

cr To meet around his board : 
Here those he died to save may hold 
Communion with their Lord. 

2 Our heav'nly Father calls 

Christ and his members one : 
We are the children of his love, 
And he the first-born Son. 

3 We are but sev'ral parts 

Of the same broken bread , 
One body with its sev'ral limbs, 
But Jesus is the head. 

4 Let all our pow'rs be join'd, 

His glorious name to raise : 
Pleasure and love fill ev'ry mind, 
And ev'ry voice be praise ! 

Hymn 391. c. m. 

1 ~V7~E foll'wers of the Prince of peace, 
JL Who round his table draw ! 
Remember what his spirit was, 
What his peculiar law. 
23* 



264 the lord's supper. 

2 The love, which all his bosom fill'd, 

Did all his actions guide : 
Inspir'd by love, he liv'd and taught; 
Inspir'd by love, he died. 

3 And do you love him? do you feel 

Your warm affections move ? 
This is the proof which he demands, 
That you each other love. 

4 Let each the sacred law fulfil ; 

Like his be ev'ry mind; 
Be ev'ry temper form'd by love, 
And ev'ry action kind. 

5 Let none, who call themselves his friends, 

Disgrace the honour' d name; 
But by a near resemblance prove 
The title which they claim. 

Hymn 392. l. m. 

1 TESUS is gone above the skies, 

t-F Where our weak senses reach him not ; 
And carnal objects court our eyes, 

To thrust our Saviour from our thought. 

2 He knows, what wand' ring hearts we have, 

Apt to forget his lovely face ; 
And, to refresh our minds, he gave 
These kind memorials of his grace. 

3 Let sinful sweets be all forgot, 

And earth grow less in our esteem ; 
Christ and his love fill ev'ry thought, 
And faith and hope be fix'd on him. 

4 While he is absent from our sight, 

'Tis to prepare our souls a place; 
That we may dwell in heav'nly light, 
And live for ever near his face. 



the lord's supper. 265 

Hymn 393. l. m. 

1 "I" TOW rich are thy provisions, Lord 
XjL Thy table furnish' d from above ! 
The fruits of life o'erspread the board; 

The cup o'erflows with heav'nly love. 

2 Thine ancient family, the Jews, 

Were first invited to the feast : 
We humbly take what they refuse, 
And Gentiles thy salvation taste. 

3 Let the vain world pronounce its shame, 

And fling their scandals on thy cause : 
We come to boast our Saviour's name, 
And make our triumphs in his cross. 

4 With joy we tell the scoffing age : 

He, that was dead, hath left the tomb. 
He lives above their utmost rage, 
And we are waiting till he come. 

Hymn 394. l. m. 

1 "\yl7~E praise the Lord for heav'nly bread,- 

▼ ▼ With which his favour' d sons are fed; 
We praise thee for that heav'nly feast, 
Which Jesus with delight could taste. 

2 He, while he sojourn' d here below, 

Had meat which strangers could not know. 
That meat he to his people gives ; 
And* he, that tastes the banquet, lives. 

3 So let us live, sustain' d by grace, 
Regal' d with fruits of righteousness. 
Enter our hearts, all-gracious Lord ! 
And sup with us, and deck thy board. 

4 Devotion, faith, and zealous love, 
And hope that bears the soul above ; 



266 the lord's supper. 

Be these our dainties, till we rise, 
And taste the joys of paradise. 

Hymn 395. l. m. 

1 IVTY G°d * and is thy table spread? 
JLTJL And does thy cup with love o'erflow' 
Thither be all thy children led, 

And let them all its sweetness know. 

2 O let thy table honour' d be, 

And furnish' d well with joyful guests ; 
And may each soul salvation see, 
That here its sacred pledges tastes. 

3 Let crowds approach, with hearts prepar't 

• With warm desire let all attend ; 
. Nor, when we leave our Father's board, 
The pleasure or the profit end. 

4 Revive thy dying churches, Lord ! 

And bid our drooping graces live ; 
And more that energy afford, 

A Saviour's death alone can give. 

5 Nor let thy spreading gospel rest, 

Till through the world thy truth has run, 
Till with this bread all men be blest 
Who see the light or feel the sun ! 

Hymn 396. c. m, 

1 " FT1HE promise of my Father's love 
JL Shall stand forever good :" 
He said, and gave his soul to death, 
And seal'd the grace with blood. 

% To this dear cov'nant of thy word 
I set my worthless name ; 
I seal th' engagement to my Lord, 
And make my humble claim. 



MORNING. 267 

The light, and strength, and pard'ning grace, 

And glory, shall be mine ; 
My life and soul, my heart and flesh, 

And all my pow'rs are thine. 

Sweet is the mem'ry of his name, 

Who bless' d us in his will, 
And to his testament of love 

Made his own life the seal. 



p 



Hymn 397. c. m. 

ITY the nations, O our God ! 
Constrain the earth to come. 
Send thy victorious word abroad, 
And bring the strangers home. 

We long to see thy churches full, 

That all thy faithful race 
May, with one voice and heart and soul, 

Sing thy redeeming grace. 



XXV. 

PARTICULAR OCCASIONS AND CIRCUM- 
STANCES. 



1. MORNING. 

Hymn 398. l. m. 

1 1%/T Y God, how endless is thy love ! 
J-VJL Thy gifts are ev'ry ev'ning new; 
And morning mercies from above 
Gently descend like early dew. 



268 MORNING. 

2 Thou spread' st the curtains of the night, 

Great Guardian of my sleeping hours ! 
Thy so v' reign word restores the light, 
And quickens all my drowsy pow'rs. 

3 I yield myself to thy command ; 

To thee devote my nights and days. 
Perpetual blessings from thy hand 
Demand perpetual hymns of praise. 

Hymn 399. c. m. 

1 TT OS ANN AH with a cheerful sound 
JL-L To God's upholding hand ! 

Ten thousand snares our path surround, 
And yet secure we stand. 

2 How wondrous is that mighty pow'r, 

Which form'd us with a word ! 
And ev'ry day, and ev'ry hour, 
We lean upon the Lord. 

3 The ev'ning rests our weary head, 

And mercy guards the room. 

We wake, and we admire the bed 

That was not made our tomb. 

4 The rising morn cannot assure, 

That we shall end the day ; 
For death stands ready at the door, 
To take our lives away. 

5 God is our sun, whose daily light 

Our joy and safety brings. 
Our feeble frame lies safe at night 
Beneath his shady wings. 



L 



Hymn 400. c. m. 

ORD of my life ! O may thy praise 
Employ my noblest pow'rs, 



MORNING. 269 

Whose goodness lengthens out my days, 
And fills the circling hours ! 

2 Preserv'd by thine almighty arm, 

I pass the shades of night, 
Serene and safe from ev'ry harm, 
And see returning light. 

3 While many spent the night in sighs, 

And restless pains and woes, 
In gentle sleep I clos'd mine eyes 
And undisturb'd repose. 

4 When sleep, death's semblance, o'er me spread, 

And I unconscious lay ; 
Thy watchful care was round my bed, 
To guard my feeble clay. 

5 let the same almighty care 

My waking hours attend ; 
From ev'ry trespass, ev'ry snare, 
My heedless steps defend. 

6 Smile on my minutes as they roll, 

And guide my future days; 
And let thy goodness fill my soul 
With gratitude and praise. 

Hymn 401. l. m. 

1 TN sleep's serene oblivion laid, 
JL I safely pass'd the silent night: 
Again I see the breaking shade, 

I drink again the morning light. 

2 New-born, I bless the waking hour; 

Once more, with awe, rejoice to be : 
My conscious soul resumes her pow'r, 
And springs, my guardian God ! to thee. 

3 O guide me through the various maze, 

My doubtful feet are doom'd to- tread j 



270 MORNING. 

And spread thy shield's protecting blaze, 
Where dangers press around my head. 

4 A deeper shade shall soon impend ; 

A deeper sleep mine eyes oppress : 

Yet then thy strength shall still defend, 

Thy goodness still delight to bless. 

5 That deeper shade shall break away ; 

That deeper sleep shall leave mine eyes : 
Thy light shall give eternal day ; 
Thy love, the raptures of the skies. 

Hymn 402. l. m. 

1 \ WAKE, my soul ! and with the sun 
JT\- Thy daily stage of duty run; 
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise, 

To pay thy morning sacrifice. 

2 By influ'nce of the light divine, 
Let thine own light to others shine : 
Reflect all heav'n's propitious rays, 
In ardent love and cheerful praise. 

3 Lord ! I my vows to thee renew : 
Disperse my sins as morning dew ; 
Guard my first springs of thought and will, 
And with thyself my spirit fill. 

4 Direct, control, suggest, this day, 
All I design to do or say ; 

That all my pow'rs, with all their might, 
In thy sole glory may unite. 

5 All praise to thee, who safe hast kept, 
And hast refresh' d me, while I slept ! 
Grant, Lord, when I from death shall wake, 
I may of endless light partake. 

Hymn 403. c. m 

1 FTIO thee let my first off' rings rise, 
JL Whose sun creates my day; 



EVENING. 271 



Swift as his glad'ning infiu'nce flies, 
And spotless as his ray. 

This day thy fav'ring hand be nigh, 

So oft vouchsaf ' d before ! 
Still may it lead, protect, supply, 

And I that hand adore. 

If bliss thy Providence impart, 
For which, resign' d I pray : 

Give me to feel the grateful heart, 
That, without guilt, is gay. 

Affliction shouldst thou please to send, 

As sin's or folly's cure : 
Patient, to gain that blessed end, 

May I the means endure. 

Be this and ev'ry future day 

Still wiser than the past; 
That, from the whole of life's survey, 

I may find peace at last. 



2. EVENING. 

Hymn 404. l. m. 

1 \ LL praise to thee, my God ! this night, 
-lJl For all the blessings of the light. 
Keep me, O keep me, King of kings ! 
Beneath thine own almighty wings. 

2 Forgive me, Lord, through thy dear Son, 
The ill that I have ever done ; 

That with the world, myself and thee, 
I, ere I sleep, at ^peace may be. 

3 Teach me to live, that I may dread 
The grave as little as my bed ; 

To die, that this frail body may 
Rise glorious at the awful day. 
24 



272 EVENING. 

Hymn 405. l. m. 

1 r ■ 1 HUS far the Lord has led me on ; 

JL Thus far his pow'r prolongs my days; 
And ev'ry ev'ning shall make known 
Some fresh memorial of his grace. 

2 Much of my time has run to waste, 

And I, perhaps, am near my home : 
But he forgives my follies past, 

And strength supplies for days to come. 

3 I lay my body down to sleep ; 

Peace is the pillow of my head : 
His ever-watchful eye will keep 
Its constant guard around my bed. 

4 Faith in his name forbids my fear : 

O may thy presence ne'er depart ! 
And in the morning may I bear 
Thy loving kindness on my heart ! 

Hymn 406. c. m. 

1 TNDULGENT God ! whose bounteous care 
JL O'er all thy works is shown : 

O let my grateful praise and pray'r 
Ascend before thy throne. 

2 What mercies has this day bestow' d ! 

How richly hast thou bless' d ! 
My cup with plenty overflow 7 d, 
With cheerfulness my breast. 

3 Now may sweet slumbers close mine eyes, 

From pain and sickness free ; 
And let my waking thoughts arise, 
To meditate on thee. 

4 So bless each future day and night, 

Till life's fond scene is o'er ; 



EVENING. 273 



And then to realms of endless light 
O let my spirit soar ! 



Hymn 407. c. m. 

ORD ! thou wilt hear me, when I pray ; 
I am for ever thine : 
I fear before thee all the day. 
Nor would I dare to sin. 



L 



2 And, while I rest my weary head, 

From cares and business free ; 
'Tis sweet conversing on my bed 
With mine own heart and thee. 

3 I pay this ev'ning sacrifice; 

And, when my work is done, 
Great God, my faith and hope relies 
Upon thy grace alone. 



i 



Hymn 408. p. m. 7s. 

NTERVAL of grateful shade, 
Welcome to my weary head ! 
Welcome, slumber, to mine eyes, 
Tir'd with glaring vanities. 

My great Master still allows 
Needful periods of repose : 
By my heav'nly Father blest, 
Thus, I give my pow'rs to rest. 

Heav'nly Father ! gracious name ! 
Night and day his love the same ! 
Far be each suspicious thought, 
Bv'ry anxious care forgot ! 

Thou, my ever-bounteous God ! 
Crown' st my days with various good, 
Thy kind eye, which cannot sleep, 
My defenceless hours shall keep. 



274 NEW-YEAR. 

5 What if death my sleep invade % 
Should I be of death afraid ? 
While encircled by thine arm, 
Death may strike, but cannot harm. 

6 With thy heav'nly presence blest, 
Death is life, and labour rest. 
Welcome sleep or death to me, 
Still secure, for still with thee ! 



6. NEW-YEAR, 

Hymn 409. l. m. 

1 /^i REAT God ! we sing that mighty hand, 
VJT By which supported, still we stand. 
The op'ning year thy mercy shows : 

Let mercy crown it, till it close. 

2 By day, at night, at home, abroad, 
Still we are guarded by our God ; 
By his incessant bounty fed, 

By his unerring counsel led. 

3 With grateful hearts the past we own ; 
The future, all to us unknown, 

We to thy guardian-care commit, 
And, peaceful, leave before thy feet. 

4 In scenes exalted or depress' d, 

Be thou our joy, and thou our rest : 
Thy goodness all our hopes shall raise, 
Ador'd through all our changing days. 

5 When death shall interrupt our songs, 
And seal in silence mortal tongues; 
Our helper God, in whom we trust, 
In better worlds our souls shall boast, 



NEW-YEAR. 275 

Hymn 410. l. m. 

1 ^i OD of our lives ! thy constant care 

VJT With blessings crowns each op'ning year. 
These lives, so frail, dost thou prolong 
And wake anew our annual song. 

2 How many precious souls are fled 
To the dark regions of the dead, 
Since, from this day, the changing sun 
Through his last yearly course has run ! 

3 We yet survive : but who can say, 

Or through the year, or month, or day, 

I shall retain my vital breath, 

Thus far at least in league with death ? 

4 That breath is thine, eternal God ! 
'Tis thine to fix the soul's abode. 
We hold our lives from thee alone, 
On earth, or in the world unknown. 

5 To thee we all our pow'rs resign; 
Make us and own us still as thine : 
Then shall we smile, secure from fear, 
Though death should blast the rising year. 

6 Thy children, eager to be gone, 
Bid time's impetuous tide roll on, 
And land them on that blooming shore 
Where years and death are known no more. 

Hymn 411. c. m. 

1 '1T> EMARK, my soul ! the narrow bounds 
JTV Of the revolving year. 

How swift the weeks complete their rounds ! 
How short the months appear ! 

2 So fast eternity comes on, 

And that important day, 

24* 



276 PUBLIC BLESSINGS 

When all that mortal life has done 
God's judgment shall survey. 

3 Yet like an idle tale we pass 

The swift advancing year; 
And study artful ways t' increase 
The speed of its career. 

4 Waken, O God ! my trifling heart, 

Its great concern to see ; 
That I may act the Christian part, 
And give the year to thee. 

5 Thus shall their course more grateful run, 

If future years arise ; 
And bear me, swift as time can move, 
To joy that never dies. 



4. PUBLIC AND NATIONAL BLESSINGS AND AFFLICTIONS. 

Hymn 412. l. m. 

Thanksgiving. 

1 T) RAISE, happy land ! Jehovah's name; 
XT His goodness, and thy bliss proclaim. 
For thee each blessing largely flows, 
That freedom's lib'ral hand bestows. 

2 Thy children are secure and blest ; 
Thy shores have peace, thy cities rest ; 
He feeds thy sons with finest wheat, 
And adds his blessing to their meat. 

3 Thy changing seasons he ordains, 
Thine early and thy latter rains ; 

His flakes of snow like wool he sends, 
And well the springing corn defends. 



AND AFFLICTIONS. 277 

4 But he hath nobler works and ways, 
To call his people to his praise : 
To all our land his laws are shown ; 
His gospel's through the nation known. 



H 



Hymn 413. p. m. &. 

OW rich thy gifts, Almighty King ' 



From thee our vary'd comforts spring 
Th' extended trade, the fruitful skies, 
The blessings liberty bestows, 
Th' eternal joys the gospel shows, — 
All from thy boundless goodness rise 

Here commerce spreads the wealthy store, 
That pours from ev'ry foreign shore ; 

Science and art their charms display : 
Religion teaches us to raise 
Our voices to our Maker's praise, 

As truth and conscience point the way. 

With grateful hearts, with joyful tongues, 
To God we raise united songs ; 

His pow'r and mercy we proclaim: 
This land through ev'ry age shall own, 
Jehovah here has fix'd his throne, 

And triumph in his mighty name. 

Long as the moon her course shall run, 
Or man behold the circling sun, 

O still may God amidst us reign : 
Crown our just counsels with success, 
With peace, and joy our borders bless, 

And all our sacred rights maintain. 



i 



Hymn 414. c. m. 

National Security from God. 

N vain opposing nations rage, 
If God with us abide ; 



278 PUBLIC BLESSINGS 

One word of his dissolves their strength, 
And humbles all their pride. 

His wisdom sees correction meet ; 

He gives the dread command, 
And war its desolation spreads 

Through ev'ry trembling land. 

3 His purpose wrought, again he speaks, 

And desolations cease ; 
War's loud alarms are heard no more, 
And all the world is peace. 

4 Mortals, adore his sov' reign pow'r, 

Nor dare provoke his rod : 
Through all your various tribes be still, 
And know that he is God. 

Hymn 415. l. m. 

In time of War. 

1 T^E7"HILE sounds of war are heard around, 

v ▼ And death and ruin strew the ground ; 
To thee we look, on thee we call, 
The Parent and the Lord of all. 

2 Thou, who hast stamp' d on human kind 
The image of a heav'n-born mind, 
And in a Father's wide embrace 

Hast cherish' d all the kindred race : 

3 O see, with what insatiate rage 
Thy sons their impious battles wage; 
How spreads destruction like a flood, 
And brothers shed their brothers' blood ! 

4 See guilty passions spring to birth, 
And deeds of hell deform the earth* 
Whilst righteousness and justice mourn, 
And love and pity droop forlorn. 



AND AFFLICTIONS. 279 

5 Great God ! whose pow'rful hand can bind 
The raging waves, the furious wind : 

bid the human tempest cease, 

And hush the madd'ning world tojpeace. 

6 With rev'rence may each hostile land 
Hear and obey that high command, 
Thy Son's blest errand from above : — 
11 My creatures, live in mutual love !" 

Hymn 416. s. m. 

1 /^ OD, to correct the world, 
vT" In wrath is slow to rise ; 

But comes at length, in thunder cloth' d, 
And darkness veils the skies. 

2 His banners, lifted high, 

The nations' God declare, 
And stain' d with blood, with terrors mark'd, 
Spread wonder and despair. 

3 All earthly pomp and pride 

Are in his presence lost ; 
Empires o'erturn'd, thrones, sceptres, crowns 
In wild confusion toss'd. 

4 While war and wo prevail, 

And desolation wide ; 
In God, the so v' reign Lord of all, 
The righteous still confide. 

5 Mysterious is the course 

Of his tremendous way : 
His path is in the trackless winds, 
And in the foaming sea. 

6 Yet, though now wrapt in clouds, 

And from our view conceal' d, 
The righteous Judge will soon appear, 
In majesty reveal' d ! 






280 PUBLIC BLESSINGS 

7 He'll curb the lawless pow'r, 

The deadly wrath of man ; 
And all the windings will unfold 
Of his own gracious plan. 

8 The sons of tyranny 

In ruin shall be hurl'd; 
And light, and liberty, and bliss, 
Embrace the new-born world. 

Hymn 417. l. m. 

1 /\ COME, behold a scene of dread ! 
v_>r Behold a world with slaughter spread ! 

And know, 'tis God who bids each land 
Thus feel the terrors of his hand. 

2 'Tis his again the earth to cheer, 
To break the bow, to snap the spear, 
To wrap in flames the glitt'ring car, 
And hush the tumult of the war. 

3 Behold us, Lord ! oppress' d with wo, 
As exil'd from thy care we go : 
Rebuk'd for sin, chastis'd by thee, 
Grant us again thy face to see. 

4 O thou, the God whom we adore ! 
Our breaches heal, our peace restore. 
Our hope, on man repos'd in vain, 

O let thy strength, great God ! sustain. 

5 The objects of thy tend' rest love 
O save, propitious from above ! 
Let us with them thy mercy share ; 
And hear, O hear our ceaseless pray 7 r. 



■w 



Hymn 418. l. m. 

E feel thine awful chast'ning rod, 
Thy sov' reign justice we adore; 



AND AFFLICTIONS. 281 

Yet we approach thy feet, O God, 
Thy boundless mercy to implore. 

2 Teach us to mourn for all our guilt ; 

May reformation fill the land ; 
No more may human blood be spill' d, 
But love and joy each heart expand. 

3 To thee, O Lord, to thee alone, 

We look for help, while drown' d in tears. 
Send down salvation from thv throne ; 
Subdue our hearts, remove our fears. 

4 Unite our souls to trust thy grace ; 

Portentous, angry clouds dispel ; 
Let party-feuds no more have place, 
Nor tongues be " set on fire of hell." 

5 May the kind spirit of thy Son 

Preside and rule in ev'ry soul; 
That wars may cease, thy will be done, 
And praise resound from pole to pole. 

Hymn 419. c. m. 

Prayer for Victory over invading Foes. 

1 /~\ LORD, our fathers oft have told, 
V>r In our attentive ears, 

Thy wonders in their days performed, 
And in more ancient years. 

2 'Twas not their courage, nor their sword 

To them salvation gave ; 
'Twas not their number, nor their strength, 
That did their country save. 

3 But thy right hand, thy pow'rful arm; 

Whose succour they implor'd; 
Thy Providence protected those, 
Who thy great name ador'd. 



282 PUBLIC BLESSINGS 

4 As thee, their God, our fathers own'd, 

So thou art still our King. 
O therefore, as thou didst to them, 
To us deliv' ranee bring. 

5 To thee, the glory we'll ascribe, 

From whom salvation came ; 
In God our shield we will rejoice, 
And ever bless thy name. 

Hymn 420. l. m. 

1 TWTOW may the God of grace and pow'r 
JLli Attend his people's humble cry; 
Defend them in the needful hour, 

And send deliverance from on high. 

2 In his salvation is our hope ; 

And in the name of Israel's God, 
Our troops shall lift their banners up, 
Our navies spread their flags abroad. 

3 Some trust in horses train' d for war, 

And some of chariots make their boast ; 
Our surest expectations are 

From thee, the Lord of heav'nly hosts. 

4 Now save us, Lord, from slavish fear; 

Now let our hope be firm and strong; 
Till thy salvation shall appear, 

And hymns of peace conclude our song. 

Hymn 421. l. m. 

Public Humiliation. 

1 /^ RE AT Framer of unnumber'd worlds, 
VX~ And whom unnumber'd worlds adore ! 
Thy goodness all thy creatures share, 
And nature trembles at thy pow'r^ '> 



AND AFFLICTIONS. 283 

2 While suppliant crowds implore thine aid, 

To thee we raise the humble cry : 
Thine altar is the contrite heart ; 
Thine incense a repentant sigh. 

3 But if injustice grind the poor, 

Or av'rice stain the sordid hand, 
Or stern ambition thirst for blood, 
Or rude oppression waste the land : 

4 The God, who hears the orphan's cry, 

The martyr's pray'r, and pris'ner's groan, 
Still list'ning to the poor opprest, 

Would spurn th' oppressor from his throne, 

5 Yet, though enormous crimes abound, 

Should but a genuine sorrow rise ; 
And, as new troubles threaten round 
'Midst wasting wars and angry skies, 

6 Should, in her sober hour, our land 

Confess thy hand and bless the rod : 
Thou still wouldst love to be her friend, 
Who lov'd to own thee as her God. 

Hymn 422. c. m. 

1 XX7~HEN Abra'm„ full of sacred awe, 

▼ f Before Jehovah stood, 
And with an humble, fervent pray'r, 
For guilty Sodom sued ; 

2 With what success, what wondrous grace, 

Was his petition crown' d ! 
The Lord would spare, if in this place 
Ten righteous men were found. 

3 And could a single pious soul 

So rich a boon obtain I 
Good God ! and shall a nation cry, 
And plead with thee in vain? 
25 



284 PUBLIC BLESSINGS 

4 Are not the righteous dear to thee, 

Now, as in ancient times? 

Or does this sinful land exceed 

Gomorrah in her crimes ! 

5 Still we are thine, we bear thy name ; 

Here yet is thine abode. 
Long has thy presence blest our land : 
Forsake us not, O God ! 

6 O may our people, rulers, priests, 

Thy choicest blessings share ; 
And know thee by that glorious name, 
"The God who heareth pray'r!" 

Hymn 423. c. m. 

1 r B 1 HY gracious favour, Lord ! display, 

JL Which we have long implor'd ; 
And, for thy wondrous mercies 7 sake, 
Thy wonted aid afford. 

2 God's answer patiently I'll wait; 

For he, with glad success, 
If they no more to folly turn, 
His mourning saints will bless. 

3 To all, that fear his holy name, 

His sure salvation's near; 

And in its former happy state, 

Our nation shall appear. 

4 Truth from the earth shall spring, whilst heav'n 

Shall streams of justice pour; 
And God, from whom all blessings flow, 
Shall endless plenty show'r. 

Hymn 424. l. m. 

Praise for Deliverance and Peace. 
I X) RAISE to the Lord, who bows his ear 
JET Propitious to his people's pray' r; 



AND AFFLICTIONS. 285 

And, though deliv' ranee long delay, 
Answers in his well- chosen day. 

2 Salvation doth to God belong; 

His pow'r and grace shall be our song; 
The tribute of our love we bring 
To thee, our Saviour and our King. 

3 Our temples, guarded from the flame, 
Shall echo thy triumphant name ; 
And ev'ry peaceful private home 

To thee a temple shall become. 

4 Still be it our supreme delight, 

To walk as in thine honour' d sight; 
Still in thy precepts and thy fear, 
Till life's last hour, to persevere. 

5 O when shall time. the period bring, 
When peace shall stretch her balmy wing 
O'er ev'ry land and ev'ry shore, 

And raging war shall waste no more ! 

Hymn 425. l. m. 

1 XT AD not the Lord, may Israel say, 
JCjL Had not the Lord maintain' d our side, 
When men, to make our lives a prey, 

Rose like the swelling of the tide ; 

2 The swelling tide had stopp'd our breath, 

So fiercely did the billows roll : 
We had been swallow' d up in death; 
The waters had o'erwhelm'd our soul. 

3 For ever blessed be the Lord, 

Who broke the fowler's deadly snare; 
Who sav'd us from the threat' ning sword, 
And made our lives his watchful care. 

9 

4 Our help is in Jehovah's name, 

Who form'd the earth and built the skies; 



286 PUBLIC BLESSINGS. 

Who still upholds all nature's frame, 

And guards his church with wakeful eyes. 

Hymn 426. p. m. ios & n s . 

1 l^fOW let our songs address the God of peace 
JlH Who bids the tumult of the battle cease; 
The pointed spears to pruning-hooks he bends, 
And the broad falchion in the plough-share ends. 
His pow'rful word unites contending nations 

In kind embrace and friendly salutations. 

2 While we beneath our vines and fig-trees sit, 
Or thus within thy sacred temple meet, 
Accept, great God ! the tribute of our song, 
And all the mercies of this day prolong. 

Then spread thy peaceful word thro' ev'ry nation, 
That all the earth may hail thy great salvation. 

Hymn 427. p. m. 7 S . 

1 TTJEACE ? the welcome sound proclaim; 
JL Dwell with rapture on the theme. 
Loud, still louder swell the strain : 
Peace on earth ! good-will to men ! 

2 Breezes ! whisp'ring soft and low, 
Gently murmur as ye blow, 
Now, when war and discord cease, 
Praises to the God of peace. 

3 Ocean's billows ! far and wide, 
Rolling in majestic pride ! 

Loud, still louder swell the strain : 
Peace on earth ! good- will to men ! 

4 Vocal songsters of the grove ! 
Sweetly chant in notes of love, 
Now, when war and discord cease, 
Praises to the God of peace. 



FOR A CONGREGATION. 287 

Mortals, who these blessings feel ! 
Christians, who before him kneel ! 
Loud, still louder swell the strain : 
Peace on earth, good- will to men ! 



A 



5. FOR A CONGREGATION. 

Hymn 428. l. m. 

On Opening a new Place of Worship. 
ND will the great eternal God 



On earth establish his abode % 
And will he from his radiant throne 
Regard our temples as his own ? 

We bring the tribute of our praise ; 
And sing that condescending grace, 
Which to our notes will lend an ear, 
And call us, sinful mortals near. 

Our Father's watchful care we bless, 
Which guards our house of pray' r in peace, 
That no tumultuous foes invade, 
To fill the worshippers with dread. 

These walls we to thine honour raise : 
Long may they echo with thy praise ; 
And thou, descending, fill the place 
With choicest tokens of thy grace. 

And in the great decisive day, 
When God the nations shall survey, 
May it before the world appear, 
That crowds were born to glory here ! 



i 



Hymn 429. p. m. 6s & ss. 

N sweet, exalted strains 
The King of glory praise : 
25* 



288 FOR A CONGREGATION. 

O'er heav'n and earth he reigns, 

Through everlasting days. 
He with a nod the world controls, 
Sustains or sinks the distant poles. 

2 To earth he bends his throne, 

His throne of grace divine ; 
Wide is his bounty known, 

And wide his glories shine. 
Fair Salem, still his chosen rest, 
Is with his smiles and presence bless' d. 

3 Then King of glory ! come ; 

And with thy favour crown 
This temple as thy dome, 

This people as thine own. 
Within this house, O deign to show, 
How God can dwell with men below. 

4 Here may thine ears attend 

Our interceding cries, 
And grateful praise ascend 

All fragrant to the skies. 
Here may thy word melodious sound, 
And spread the joys heav'n around. 

5 Here may th' attentive throng 

Imbibe thy truth and love ; 
And converts join the song 

Of seraphim above ; 
And willing crowds surround thy board, 
With sacred joy and sweet accord. 

6 In peace, here may our sons 

And daughters sound thy praise; 
And shine like polish' d stones, 

Through long succeeding days. 
Here, Lord! display thy saving pow'r, 
While churches stand and saints adore. 



for a congregation. 289 
Hymn 430. l. m. 

At the Ordination or Settlement of a Minister. 

1 rTlHUS spake the Saviour, when he sent 

A His ministers to preach his word; 

They through the world obedient went, 

And spread the gospel of their Lord. 

2 "Go forth, ye heralds, in my name : 

Bid the whole earth my grace receive ; 
The gospel jubilee proclaim, 
• And call them to repent and live. 

3 " The joyful news to all impart, 

And teach them where salvation lies ; 
Bind up the broken, bleeding heart, 
And wipe the tear from weeping eyes. 

4 "Be wise as serpents where you go, 

But harmless as the peaceful dove ; 
And let your heaven-taught conduct show, 
That you're commission' d from above 

5 "Freely from me ye have receiv'd; 

Freely in love to others give : 
Thus shall your doctrines be belie v'd, 
And by your labour sinners live." 

6 Happy those servants of the Lord, 

Who thus their Master's will obey! 
How rich, how full is their reward, 
Reserv'd until the final day ! 

Hymn 431. l.m. 

1 4Ti REAT Lord of angels ! we adore 
\JT The grace that builds thy courts below: 
And, midst ten thousand sons of light, 
Stoops to regard what mortals do ! 



290 FOR A CONGREGATION. 

2 Amidst the wastes of time and death, 

Successive pastors thou dost raise, 

Thy kingdom and thy truth to spread, 

And form a people for thy praise. 

3 At length, dismiss' d from feeble clay, 

Thy servants join th' angelic band, 
With them through distant worlds they fly, 
With them before thy presence stand. 

4 O blest employment ! glorious hope ! 

Sweet lenitive of grief and care ! 
When shall we reach those radiant courts, 
And all their joys and honours share ? 

5 Yet while these labours we pursue, 

Though distant from thy heav'nly throne, 
Give us a zeal and love like theirs, 

And half their heav'n shall here be known. 

Hymn 432. l. m. 

On the Dangerous Sickness of a Minister. 

1 /^V THOU, before whose gracious throne 
V>r We bow our suppliant spirits down ! 
Thou know' st the anxious cares we feel, 
And all our trembling lips would tell. 

2 Avert thy desolating stroke, 

Nor smite the shepherd of the flock ; 
Restore him, sinking to the grave ; 
Stretch out thine arm, make haste to save. 

3 But if our supplications fail, 

And pray'rs and tears cannot prevail: 
Be thou his strength, be thou his stay j 
Support him through the gloomy way. 

4 Around him may thine angels stand, 
Waiting the signal of thy hand, 



SICKNESS AND RECOVERY. 291 

To bid his happy spirit rise, 

And bear him to their native skies. 

Hymn 433. c. m. 

For a Vacant Congregation on the Death of its 
Minister. 

1 1VTOW let our drooping hearts revive, 
JL II And let our tears be dry : 

Why should those eyes be drown' d in grief, 
Which view a Saviour nigh? 

2 Though earthly shepherds dwell in dust, 

The aged and the young ; 
The watchful eye in darkness clos'd, 
And mute th' instructive tongue : 

3 Th' eternal Shepherd still survives, 

New comfort to impart. 
His hand still guides us, and his voice 
Still animates our heart. 

4 The pow'rs of nature, Lord ! are thine, 

And thine the aids of grace. 
Thine arm has borne thy churches up, 
Through ev'ry rising race. 

5 Exert thy sacred influ'nce here ; 

Thy mourning servants bless. 
O change to strains of cheerful praise 
Their accents of distress. 



6. SICKNESS AND RECOVERY, 

Hymn 434. c. m. 

1 CONSIDER all my sorrows, Lord! 
Vy And thy deliv' ranee send. 
My soul for thy salvation faints; 
When will my troubles end ? 



292 SICKNESS AND RECOVERY. 

2 Yet I have found, 'tis good for me 

To bear my Father's rod : 
Afflictions make me learn thy law, 
And live upon my God. 

3 This is the comfort I enjoy, 

When new distress begins; 
I read thy word, I run thy ways, 
And hate my former sins. 

4 Had not thy word been my delight, 

When earthly joys were fled; 
My soul, oppress' d with sorrow's weight, 
Had sunk amongst the dead. 

5 I know thy judgments, Lord ! are right, 

Though they may seem severe. 
The sharpest surf rings I endure 
Flow from thy faithful care. 



p 



Hymn 435. s. m. 

EACE, my complaining heart ! 
Ye busy cares, be still ! 
Adore the just, the sov' reign Lord ! 
Nor murmur at his will. 

2 'Tis wisdom guides his hand; 

Nor dares my guilty fear, 
Amidst the sharpest pains I feel, 
Pronounce his hand severe. 

3 To soften ev'ry stroke, 

Indulgent mercy bends ; 
And, unrepining when I plead, 
His gracious ear attends. 

4 Let me reflect with awe, 

Whene'er my heart complains : 
Compar'd with what my sins deserve, 
How easy are my pains ! 



SICKNESS AND RECOVERY. 293 

5 Yes, Lord, I own thy hand, 

Thou just, and wise, and kind ! 
Be ev'ry anxious thought suppress' d, 
And all my soul resign' d. 

Hymn 436. c. m. 

1 TTVISEASES are thy servants, Lord ! 
mJ They come at thy command. 

I'll not attempt a murm'ring word 
Against thy chast'ning hand. 

2 I'm but a sojourner below, 

As all my fathers were : 
May I be well prepar'd to go, 
When I the summons hear. 

3 But, if my life be spar'd awhile, 

Before my last remove : 
Thy praise shall be my business still, 
And I'll declare thy love. 

Hymn 437, c. m. 

1 IV/TY sou ^' me awnj l nour wn l come, 
_LTJL Apace it passeth on, 

To bear this body to the tomb, 
And thee to scenes unknown. 

2 My heart, long laboring with its woes, 

Shall pant and sink away; 
And you, mine eyelids, soon shall close 
On the fast glimm'ring ray. 

3 Whence in that hour shall I receive 

A cordial for my pain, 
When, if earth's monarchs were my friends, 
Those friends would weep in vain? 

4 Great King of nature and of grace ! 

To thee my spirit flies, 



294 SICKNESS AND RECOVERY. 

And opens all its deep distress 
Before thy pitying eyes. 

5 All its desires to thee are known, 

And ev'ry secret fear; 
The meaning of each broken groan 
Well-notic'd by thine ear. 

6 O fix me by that mighty pow'r, 

Which to such love belongs, 
Where darkness veils the eyes no more, 
And groans are chang'd to songs. 

Hymn 438. p. m. 8s & 9s. 

On Recovering from Disease. 

1 TTOW vast is the tribute I owe 

JL A Of gratitude, homage, and praise, 
To the Giver of all I possess, 

The life and the length of my days ! 

2 When the sorrows I boded were come, 

I pour'd out my sighs and my tears : 
And to him, who alone can relieve, 

My soul breath' d her vows and her pray'rs. 

3 When my heart throbb'd with pain and alarm, 

When paleness my cheek overspread, 
When sickness pervaded my frame ; — 
Then my soul on my Maker was staid. 

4 When death's awful image was nigh, 

And no mortal was able to save ; 
Thou didst brighten the valley of death, 
And illumine the gloom of the grave. 

5 In mercy thy presence dispels 

The shades of calamity's night, 
And turns the sad scene of despair 
To a morning of joy and delight. 



SICKNESS AND RECOVERY. 295 

6 Great source of my comforts restor'd ! 

Thou healer and balm of my woes ! 
Thou hope and desire of my soul ! 
On thy mercy I'll ever repose. 

7 How boundless the gratitude due 

To thee, O thou God of my praise ! 
The fountain of all I possess, 

The life and the light of my days ! 

Hymn 439. l. m. 

1 ipiIRM was my health, my day was bright, 
Jj And I presum'd 'twould ne'er be night. 
Fondly I said within my heart, 

Pleasure and peace shall ne'er depart. 

2 But I forgot, thine arm was strong, 
Which made my mountain stand so long; 
And, when thy face was turn'd aside, 
My health was gone, my comforts died. 

3 Hear me, O God of grace ! I said, 
And raise me from among the dead. 
Thy word rebuk'd the pains I felt; 
Thy pard'ning love remov'd my guilt. 

4 I will extol thee, Lord, on high : 
At thy command diseases fly. 
Who but a God can speak and save 
From the dark borders of the grave ? 

5 Thine anger but a moment stays ; 
Thy love is life and length of days. 
Though grief and tears the night employ, 
The morning-star restores the joy. 



i 



Hymn 440. c. m. 

LOVE the Lord ; he heard my cries, 
And pity'd ev'ry groan : 
26 



296 SICKNESS AND RECOVERY. 

Long as I live, when troubles rise, 
I'll hasten to his throne. 

2 I love the Lord ; he bow'd his ear, 

And chas'd my griefs away. 

let my heart no more despair, 
While I have breath to pray ! 

3 Among the saints that fill thy house, 

Mine off' ring shall be paid ; 
There shall my zeal perform the vows 
My soul in anguish made. 

4 The Lord beheld me sore distress' d; 

He bade my pains remove. 
Return, my soul, to God, thy rest ; 
For thou hast known his love. 

Hymn 441. c. m. 

1 O OV'REIGN of life, I own thy hand 
K3 In ev'ry chast'ning stroke; 

And, while I smart beneath thy rod, 
Thy presence I invoke. 

2 To thee in my distress I cried, 

And thou hast bow'd thine ear. 
Thy pow'rful word prolong' d my life. 
And brought salvation near. 

3 Unfold the gates of righteousness, 

' That, with the pious throng, 

1 may record my solemn vows, 

And tune my grateful song. 

4 Praise to the Lord, whose gentle hand 

Renews our lab' ring breath ! 
Praise to the Lord, who makes his saints 
Triumphant e'en in death. 

5 My God ! in thine appointed hour, 

Those heav'nly gates display, 



SICKNESS AND RECOVERY. 297 

Where pain, and sin, and fear, and death, 
For ever flee away. 

6 There, while the nations of the bless'd 
With raptures bow around ; 
Mine anthems to deli v' ring grace 
In sweeter strains shall sound. 

Hymn 442. c. m. 

1 XITHEN o'er the trodden paths of life 

T ▼ Backwards I turn mine eyes : 
What vary'd scenes throughout the road 
Awaken my surprise ! 

2 Thousands, to whom my natal hour 

Imparted vital breath, 
Just look'd on life, and clos'd their eyes 
In the fast sleep of death. 

3 Thousands, who climb' d to manhood's stage, 

Safe through unnumber'd snares, 
Travell'd not far, before they sunk 
Amidst its thorns and cares. 

4 Follow' d, through ev'ry changing stage, 

With goodness all my days : 
Deny me not a heart to love, 
A tongue to speak thy praise. 

5 Ten thousand thousand thanks to thee 

Echo along the road. 
O may I join those endless songs, 
That fill thy blest abode. 



7. ON THE DEATH OF RELATIVES OR FRIENDS. 

Hymn 443. l. m. 

1 F ■ 1 HE God of love will sure indulge 
JL The flowing tear, the heaving sigh. 



298 ON THE DEATH OF 

When righteous persons fall around, 
When tender friends and kindred die. 

2 Yet not one anxious murm'ring thought 

Should with our mourning passions blend ; 
Nor should our bleeding hearts forget 
Th' almighty ever-living Friend. 

3 Parent, Protector, Guardian, Guide ! 

Thou art each tender name in one. 
On thee we cast our ev'ry care, 
And comfort seek from thee alone. 

4 Our Father God, to thee we look, 

Our rock, our portion, and our Friend ! 
And on thy gracious love and truth 
Our sinking souls shall still depend. 

Hymn 444. c. m. 

1 1%/rUST friends and kindred droop and die, 
J_T JL And helpers be withdrawn ; 

While sorrow, with a weeping eye. 
Counts up our comforts gone? 

2 Be thou our comfort, mighty God ! 

Our helper and our friend j 
Nor leave us in this dang'rous road, 
Till all our trials end. 

3 O may our feet pursue the way 

Our pious fathers led ; 
While love and holy zeal obey 
The counsels of the dead. 

4 Let us be wean'd from earthly joys; 

Let hope our grief dispel : 
The dead in Jesus shall arise, 
In endless bliss to dwell. 



w 



RELATIVES OR FRIENDS. 299 

Hymn 445. c. m. 

On the Death of a Young Person. 
HEN blooming youth is snatch' d away 



By death's resistless hand 
Our hearts the mournful tribute pay, 
Which pity must demand. 

While pity prompts the rising sigh, 
O may this truth, impress' d 

With awful pow'r, — I too must die, 
Sink deep in ev'ry breast. 

Let this vain world delude no more ; 

Behold the gaping tomb : 
It bids us seize the present hour ; 

To-morrow death may come. 

The voice of this alarming scene 

May ev'ry heart obey; 
Nor be the heav'nly warning vain, 

Which calls to watch and pray. 



L 



Hymn 446. c. m. 

On the Death of a Child. 
IFE is a span, a fleeting hour ; 



How soon the vapour flies ! 
Man is a tender, transient flow'r, 
That e'en in blooming dies. 

2 Death spreads like winter's frozen arms, 

And beauty smiles no more. 
Ah ! where are now those rising charms, 
Which pleas' d our eyes before? 

3 The once lov'd form, now cold and dead, 

Each mournful thought employs ; 
And nature weeps her comforts fled, 
And wither' d all her joys. 
26* 



300 ON THE DEATH OF 

4 But wait the interposing gloom, 

And, lo ! stern winter flies ; 
And, dress' d in beauty's fairest bloom, 
The flow'ry tribes arise. 

5 Hope looks beyond the bounds of time, 

When what we now deplore 

Shall rise in full immortal prime, 

And bloom to fade no more. 

6 Then cease, fond nature ! cease thy tears ; 

Religion points on high : 
There everlasting spring appears, 
And joys that cannot die. 

Hymn 447. c. m. 

1 ~V7~E mourning saints, whose streaming tears 

A Flow o'er your children dead : 
Say not in transports of despair, 
That all your hopes are fled. 

2 While, cleaving to that darling dust, 

In fond distress ye lie; 
Rise, and with joy and rev'rence view 
A heav'nly Parent nigh. 

3 "I'll give the mourner," saith the Lord, 

" In mine own house a place ; 
No names of daughters and of sons 
Could yield so high a grace. 

4 "Transient and vain is ev'ry hope 

A rising race can give, 
In endless honour and delight, 
My children all shall live." 

5 We welcome, Lord ! those rising tears, 

Through which thy face we see ; 
And bless those wounds, which, through our hearts, 
Prepare a way for thee 



relatives or friends. 301 
Hymn 448. l. m. 

On the Death of a Parent. 

1 r B 1 HOUGH nature's voice you must obey, 

JL Think, while your swelling griefs o'erflow, 
That hand, which takes your joys away, 
That sov' reign hand can heal your wo. 

2 And, white your mournful thoughts deplore 

The parent gone, remov'd the friend ! 
With hearts resign' d, his grace adore, 
On whom your nobler hopes depend. 

3 Does he not bid his children come 

Through death's dark shades to realms of light % 
Yet, when he calls them to their home 
Shall fond survivors mourn their flight? 

4 His word — here let your souls rely — 

Immortal consolation gives : 
Your heav'nly Father cannot die, 
Th' eternal Friend for ever lives. 

5 O be that best of friends your trust ; 

On his almighty arm recline. 
He, when your comfo'rts sink in dust, 
Can give you comforts more divine. 

Hymn 449. l. m. 

The Orphan 1 s Prayer. 

HEAR me, Lord ! on thee 1 call, 
And prostrate at thy footstool fall ; 

Propitious in my cause appear, 

And bow to my request thine ear. 

2 Look down, my only hope ! look down ; 
Behold me, but without a frown : 
And ne'er to my desiring eye 
Thy presence, heav'nly Lord ! deny. 



o 



302 FOR THE YOUNG 

3 let me, on thine aid reclin'd, 
Thee still my great salvation find ; 
Nor leave me, helpless and forlorn, 
The absence of thy grace to mourn. 

4 Though, doom'd the orphan's lot to bear, 
No father's kind concern I share, 

Nor o'er me wakes a mother's eye 
My wants attentive to supply : — 

5 Adopted by thy care, in thee 
The Parent and the Friend I see ; 
And, nourish' d by thy fost' ring hand, 
Within thy courts secure I stand. 



8. FOR THE YOUNG AND OLD. 

Hymn 450. l. m. 

Youth instructed. 

1 /^ HILDREN, in years and knowledge young, 
Vy Your parents' hope, your parents' joy ! 
Attend the counsels of my tongue : 

Let pious thoughts your minds employ. 

2 If you desire a length of days, 

And peace to crown your mortal state : 
Restrain your feet from wicked ways, 
Your lips from slander and deceit. 

3 The eyes of God regard his saints; 

His ears are open to their cries : 
He sets his frowning face against 
The sons of violence and lies. 

4 To humble souls and broken hearts, 

God with his grace is ever nigh : 
Pardon and hope his love imparts, 
When men in deep contrition lie. 



AND OLD. 303 

Hymn 451. c. m. 

1 "I" "| APPY is he, whose early years 
_I_ JL Receive instruction well ; 
Who hates the sinner's path, and fears 

The road that leads to hell. 

2 'Tis easier work, if we, begin 

To serve the Lord betimes ; 
While sinners, who grow old in sin, 
Are harden' d by their crimes. 

3 It saves us from a thousand snares, 

To mind religion young : 
With joy it crowns succeeding years, 
And makes our virtue strong. 

4 To thee ; almighty God ! to thee 

Our hearts we now resign : 
'Twill please us, to look back and see, 
That our whole lives were thine ! 

5 Let the sweet work of pray'r and praise 

Employ our daily breath : 
Thus we're prepar'd for future days, 
Or fit for early death. 

Hymn 452. l. m. 

1 "VTOW, in the heat of youthful blood, 
J_ 1 Remember your Creator, God. 
Behold, the months come hastening on, 
When you shall say, " my joys are gone." 

2 God from on high beholds your thoughts; 
His book records your secret faults : 
The works of darkness men have done 
Must all appear before the sun. 

3* Behold, the aged sinner goes, 
Laden with guilt and heavy woes, 



304 FOR THE YOUNG 

Down to the regions of the dead, 
With bitt'rest curses on his head. 

4 The dust returns to dust again ; 
The soul, in agonies of pain, 

. Ascends to God, not there to dwell, 
But hears her doom, and sinks to hell. 

5 God of the young ! turn off their eyes 
From earth's alluring vanities; 

And let the warnings of thy word 
Awake their souls to fear the Lord ! 

Hymn 453. s. m. 

1 XT7"ITH humble heart and tongue, 

▼ f My God ! to thee I pray : 

O let me learn, whilst I am young, 

How I may cleanse my way. 

2 Make an unguarded youth 

The object of thy care ; 
Help me to choose the path of truth, 
And fly from ev'ry snare. 

3 My heart, to folly prone, 

Inspire with love divine ; 
Unite it to thyself alone, 
And make me wholly thine. 

4 O let thy word of grace 

My warmest thoughts employ ; 
Be this, through all my following days, 
My treasure and my joy. 

5 To what thy laws impart 

Be my whole will inclin'd; 
O let them dwell within my heart, 
And sanctify my mind. 

6 May thy young servant learn, 

By these to cleanse his way ; 



AND OLD. 305 

And may I here the path discern 
That leads to endless day. 

Hymn 454. c. m. 

Prayer of the Aged, 

1 "1%/TY God, my everlasting hope ! 
J_TJL I live upon thy truth ; 

Thy hands have held my childhood up, 
And strengthen' d all my youth. 

2 My frame was fashion' d by thy pow'r, 

And shows thy skill divine; 
And from my mother's painful hour, 
I've been entirely thine. 

3 Still has my life new wonders seen, 

In each revolving year : 
Behold, my days that yet remain, 
I trust them to thy care. 

4 Cast me not off, when strength declines, 

When hoary hairs arise : 
And round me let thy glory shine, 
Whene'er thy servant dies. 

Hymn 455. c. m. 

1 "Cl TERNAL Sire, enthron'd on high! 

*A Whom heav'nly hosts adore, 
Who yet to suppliant dust art nigh : 
Thy presence I implore. 

2 Wilt thou forsake my hoary hairs, 

And leave my fainting heart ? 
Who shall sustain my sinking years, 
If God, my strength, depart i 

3 guide me down the steep of age, 

And keep my passions cool; 



306 THE TROUBLES OF LIFE. 

Teach me to scan the sacred page, 
And practise ev'ry rule. 

4 Let me thy pow'r and truth proclaim 

To the surviving age; 
And leave a savour of thy name, 
When I shall quit the stage. 

5 That solemn day is hast'ning on; 

My frame must soon decay. 
My friends, my youth's companions gone, 
Can I expect to stay ? 

6 My God! O smooth # the mortal hour ; ^ 

On thee my hope depends. 
Support me with almighty pow'r, 
While dust to dust descends. 

7 Then let my soul, O gracious God ! 

Ascend to realms of day ; 
And in that sacred hlest abode 
Its endless anthems pay. 



XXVI 

THE TROUBLES OF LIFE, 



Hymn 456. p. m, ts. 

1 I) RAISE to God, immortal praise 
JL For the -love that crowns our days 
Bounteous source of ev'ry joy ! 

Let thy praise our tongues employ. 

2 All, that spring, with bounteous hand, 
Scatters o'er the smiling land; 

All, that lib'ral autumn pours 
From her rich o'erflowing stores: 



THE TROUBLES OF LIFE. 307 

These to thee, our God ! we owe, 
Source whence all our blessings flow ! 
And for these our souls shall raise 
Grateful vows and solemn praise. 

Yet should rising whirlwinds tear 
From its stem the rip'ning ear; 
Should the fig-tree's blasted shoot 
Drop her green untimely fruit : 

Should the vine put forth no more, 
Nor the olive yield her store : 
Though the sick'ning flocks should fall ; 
And the herds desert the stall : 

Should thine alter' d hand restrain 
Vernal show'rs and latter rain. 
Blast each op'ning bud of joy, 
And the rising year destroy : 

Yet to thee our souls shall raise 
Grateful vows and so]emn praise; 
And, when ev'ry blessing's flown, 
Love thee — for thyself alone ! 

Hymn 457. s. m. 

1 A S various as the moon 
IJL Is man's estate below : 

To his bright day of gladness soon 
Succeeds a night of wo. 

2 The night of wo resigns 

Its darkness and its grief; 
Again the morn of comfort shines, 
And brings our souls relief. 

3 Yet not from fickle chance 

These varying scenes arise : 
Our dark and brighter hours advance, 
By laws supremely wise. 
27 



308 THE TROUBLES OF LIFE. 

4 God measures out to all 

Their lot of good and ill ; 
Nor this too great, nor that too small, 
Ordain' d by heav'n's high will. 

5 Hopeful and humble bear 

Thine evil and thy good ; 
Nor 'By presumption, nor despair, 
Weak mortal, be subdu'd. 

HraN 458. p. m. 7s. 

1 "OROVIDENCE, profusely kind, 
XT Wheresoe'er you turn your eyes, 
Bids you with a grateful mind 

View a thousand blessings rise. 

2 Thankful own what you enjoy : 

But a changing world like this, 
Where a thousand fears annoy, 
Cannot give you perfect bliss, 

3 Perfect bliss resides above, 

Far above yon azure sky ; 

Bliss, that merits all your love, 

Merits ev'ry anxious sigh. 

4 What like this lias earth to give? 

O ye righteous ! in your breast 
Let the admonition live, 
Nor on earth desire to rest. 

5 When your bosom heaves a sigh, 

Or your eye emits a tear, 
Let your wishes rise on high, 
Ardent rise to bliss sincere. 



H 



Hymn 459. s. m. 

OW gracious and how wise 
Is our chastising God ! 



THE TROUBLES OF LIFE. 309 

And, O ! how rich the blessings are, 
That blossom from his rod ! 

2 He lifts it up on high, 

With pity in his heart; 
That ev'ry stroke his children feel 
May grace and peace impart. 

3 Instructed thus, they bow 

And own his sov' reign sway; 
They turn their erring footsteps back 
To his forsaken way. 

4 His cov'nant love they seek, 

And seek the happy bands 
That closer still engage their hearts, 
To honour his commands. 

5 Submissive, Lord ! we yield 

To discipline divine, 
And bless the pains that make us still 
More uniformly thine. 

Hymn 460. l. m. 

1 T^ ATHER ! I bless thy gentle hand : 
J? How kind was thy chastising rod, 
That forc'd my conscience to a stand, 

And brought my wand' ring soul to God ! 

2 Foolish and vain I went astray, 

Ere I had felt thy scourges, Lord ! 
I left my guide, and lost my way ; 
But now I love and keep thy word. 

3 'Tis good for me to wear the yoke, 

For pride is apt to rise and swell ; 
} Tis good to bear my Father's stroke, 
That I might learn his statutes well. 

4 The law, that issues from thy mouth, 

Shall raise my cheerful passions more 



310 THE TROUBLES OF LIFE. 

Than all the treasures of the south, 
Or western hills of golden ore. 

5 Thy hands have made my mortal frame, 

Thy spirit form'd my soul within : 
Teach me to know thy wondrous name, 
And guard me safe from death and sin. 

6 Then all, that love and fear the Lord, 

At my salvation shall rejoice; 
For I have trusted in thy word, 

And made thy grace mine only choice. 

Hymn 461. l. m. 

1 TTOW well our great Preserver knows, 
JlX To weigh and to relieve our woes ! 
Behold his wrath's avenging blast, 

How slow to rise, how soon o'erpast ! 

2 How prompt his favour to dispense 
Its life-imparting influence ! 

How speedy his paternal love 
Our deep afflictions to remove ! 

3 Grief for a night, obtrusive guest, 
Beneath our roof perhaps may rest ; 
But joy, with the returning day, 
Shall wipe each transient tear away. 

4 With what delight, great God, I trace 
The acts of thy stupendous grace ! 
To count them, were to count the sand 
That lies upon the sea-beat strand. 

Hymn 462. c. m. 

1 TVTAKED as from the earth we came 
Jl^I And crept to life at first, 
We to the earth return again, 
And mingle with our dust. 



THE TROUBLES OF LIFE. 311 

S 'Tis God, who lifts our comforts high, 
Or sinks them in the grave. 
He gives ; and, blessed be his name, 
He takes but what he gave. 

3 Peace, all our angry passions then ; 

Let each rebellious sigh 
Be silent at his sov' reign will, 
And ev'ry murmur die. 

4 If smiling mercy crown our lives, 

Its praises shall be spread; 
Nor will we call unjust the hand, 
That strikes our comforts dead. 

Hymn 463. l. m. 

1 nnHE darken' d sky, how thick it low'rs ! 

JL Troubled with storms, and big with show'rs; 
No cheerful gleam of light appears, 
But nature pours forth all her tears. 

2 Yet let the sons of grace revive : 

God bids the soul, that seeks him, live ; 
And, from the gloomiest shade of night, 
Calls forth a morning of delight. 

3 The seeds of ecsiacy unknown 
Are in these wa.er'd furrows sown. 

See the green blades, how thick they rise, 
And with fresh verdure bless our eyes ! 

4 In secret foldings they contain 
Unnumber'd ears of golden grain; 

And heav'n shall pour its beams around, 
Till the ripe harvest load the ground. 

5 Then shall the trembling mourner come, 
And find his sheaves and bring them home ; 
The voice, long broke with sighs, shall sing, 
Till heav'n with hallelujahs ring. 

27* 



312 the troubles of life. 
Hymn 464. l. m. 

1 IV/TY God, whose all-pervading eye 
JLtJL Views earth beneath, and heav'n above 
Witness, if here or there thou seest 

An object of mine equal love. 

2 Not the gay scenes, where mortal men 

Pursue their bliss and find their wo, 
Detain my rising heart, which springs 
The nobler joys of heav'n to view. 

3 Fix'd near th' immortal seat of bliss, 

Dauntless, and joyous, it surveys 
Each form of horror and distress, 
That all its deadliest foes can raise. 

4 This feeble flesh shall faint and die, 

This heart renew its pulse no more ; 
E'en now it views the moment nigh, 

When life's last movements all are o'er. 

5 But come, thou vanquish'd King of dread! 

With thine own hand thy pow'r destroy. 
'Tis thine to bear me to my God, 
My portion, my eternal joy. 

Hymn 465. c. m. 

1 fTl HE evils that beset our path, 

_i_ Who can prevent or cure ? 

We stand upon the brink of death, 

When most we seem secure. 

2 If we to-day sweet peace possess, 

It soon must be withdrawn ; 
Some change may plunge us in distress, 
Before to-morrow's dawn. 

3 Disease and pain invade our health, 

And find an easy prey ; 



THE TROUBLES OF LIFE. 313 

And oft, when least expected, wealth 
Takes wings and flies away. 

4 Since sin has fill'd the world with wo, 
And creatures fade and die ; 
Lord ! wean our hearts from things below, 
And fix our hopes on high ! 

Hymn 466. l. m. 

1 ~V¥7"EARY of these low scenes of night, 

V f My fainting heart grows sick of time, 
Sighs for the dawn of sweet delight, 
Sighs for a distant, happier clime. 

2 'Tis just, 'tis right: thus he ordains. 

Who form'd this animated clod; 
That needful cares, instructive pains, 
May bring the restless heart to God. 

3 In him, my soul ! behold thy rest ; 

Nor hope for bliss below the sky. 
Come, resignation, to my breast, 
And silence ev'ry plaintive sigh. 

4 Then cheerful shall my heart survey 

The toils and dangers of the road ; 
And patient keep the heav'nly way, 
Which leads me homeward to my God. 

Hymn 467. c. m. 

1 |^ REAT Ruler of all nature's frame, 
\IW We own thy pow'r divine; 

We hear thy breath in ev'ry storm, 
For all the winds are thine. 

2 Wide as they sweep their sounding way, 

They work thy sov' reign will; 
And, aw'd by thy majestic voice, 
Confusion shall be still. 



314 THE TROUBLES OF LIFE. 

3 Thy mercy tempers ev'ry blast 

To those who seek thy face; 
And mingles with the tempest's roar, 
The whispers of thy grace. 

4 Let me those gentle whispers hear, 

Till all the tumult cease; 
Sleep in thine arms, and wake in realms 
Of everlasting peace ! 



Hymn 468. l. m. 

1 TV/TY God, my hope ! if thou art mine, 
J.TJL Why should my soul with sorrow pine ? 
On thee alone I cast my care : 

O leave me not in dark despair. 

2 Though ev'ry comfort should depart, 
And life forsake this drooping heart ; 
One smile from thee, one blissful ray, 
Can chase the shades of death away. 

3 My God, my life ! if thou appear, 
Not death itself can make me fear. 
Thy presence cheers the sable gloom, 
And gilds the horrors of the tomb. 

4 Not all its horrors can affright, 

If thou appear, my God, my light ! 
Thy love shall all my fears control, 
And glory dawn around my soul. 

j 

Hymn 469. l. m. 

1 C^HOULD famine o'er the mourning field 
1^3 Extend her desolating reign, 
Nor spring her blooming beauties yield, 
Nor autumn swell the fruitful grain : 



THE TROUBLES OF LIFE. 315 

Should lowing herds end bleating sheep, 
Around their famish'd master die; 

And hope itself despairing weep, 
While life deplores its last supply : 

Amid the dark, the deathful scene, 

If I can say, the Lord is mine ! 
The joy shall triumph o'er the pain, 

And glory dawn, though life decline. 

The God of my salvation lives; 

My nobler life he will sustain; 
His word immortal vigour gives, 

Nor shall my glorious hopes be vain. 

Thy presence, Lord, can cheer my heart, 
Though ev'ry earthly comfort die; 

Thy smile can bid my pains depart, 
And raise my sacred pleasures high. 

O let me hear thy blissful voice, 

Inspiring life and joys divine ! 
The barren desert shall rejoice ; 

'Tis paradise if thou art mine. 

Hymn 470. s. m. 



j 



1 ' ORD, in this vale of tears, 

.I 1 What various woes we feel ! 
Diseases, pains, and doubts, and fears, 
Surround thy children still. 

2 What dangers fill the road ! 

What storms and tempests roar ! 
But we march onward to our God, 
And trust his guardian pow'r. 

3 No lasting comfort's found 

Through this long wilderness : 
But when we reach the heav'nly ground, 
Pleasures shall never cease. 



316 DEATH. 

4 Support us in the way, 

Lord ! let our faith be strong ; 
Direct our footsteps, lest we stray, 
And guard our souls along. 

5 Death shall convey us home ; 

Thither our hearts aspire : 
There no disease shall ever come, 
But joy shall be entire. 

Hymn 471. l. m. 

1 fTlHOU, Lord, through ev'ry changing scene, 

JL Hast to thy saints a refuge been : 
Through ev'ry age, eternal God, 
Their pleasing home, their safe abode. 

2 Lo, we are ris'n, a feeble race, 
Awhile to fill our father's place : 
Our helpless state with pity view, 
And let us share their refuge too. 

3 Through all the thorny paths we trace 
In this uncertain wilderness, 

When friends desert, and foes invade, 
Revive our heart and guard our head. 

4 So, when this pilgrimage is o'er, 
And we shall dwell in flesh no more, 
To thee our sep'rate souls shall come, 
And find in thee a surer home. 



XXVII. 

DEATH 



H 



Hymn 472. cm. 

ARK ! from the tombs a doleful sound ; 
My ears attend the cry : 



DEATH. 317 

"Ye living men, come, view the ground, 
Where you must shortly lie. 

2 "Princes, this clay must be your bed, 
In spite of all your towers ! 

The tall, the wise, the rev' rend head, 
Must lie as low as ours." 

3 Great God ! is this our certain doom ? 
And are we still secure % 

Still walking downward to the tomb, 
And yet prepare no more ! 

4 Grant us the pow'r of quick' ning grace, 
To fit our souls to fly : 

Then, when we drop this dying flesh, 
We'll rise above the sky. 



Hymn 473. cm. 

EACH me the measure of my days, 
Thou Maker of my frame ! 
I would survey life's narrow space, 
And learn how frail I am. 



T 



A span is all that we can boast ; 

A fleeting hour of time. 
Man is but vanity and dust, 

In all his flow'r and prime. 

See the vain race of mortals move, 
Like shadows o'er the plain : 

They rage and strive, desire and love, 
But all the noise is vain. 

4 Some walk in honour's gaudy show; 
Some dig for golden ore ; 
They toil for heirs they know not who, 
Aiid straight are seen no more. 



318 DEATH. 

5 What should I wish or wait for then, 

From creatures, earth and dust? 
They make our expectations vain, 
And disappoint our trust. 

6 Now I resign my earthly hope, 

My fond desires recall ; 
I give my mortal int'rest up, 
And make my God my all. 

Hymn 474. c. m. 

1 np HEE we adore, eternal Name ! 

JL And humbly own to thee, 

How feeble is our mortal frame, 

What dying worms are we. 

2 Our wasting lives are short'ning still, 

As months and davs increase ; 
And ev'ry beating pulse we tell 
Leaves but the number less. 

3 Dangers stand thick through all the ground, 

To push us to the tomb ; 
And fierce diseases wait around, 
To hurry mortals home. 

4 Good God ! on what a slender thread, 

Hang everlasting things ! 
Th' eternal states of all the dead, 
Upon life's feeble strings. 

5 Yet while a world of joy or wo 

Depends on ev'ry breath, 
Thoughtless and unconcern' d we go 
Upon the brink of death. 

6 Waken, O Lord ! our drowsy sense, 

To walk this dang'rous road ; 

And if our souls are hurried hence, 

May they be found with God ! 



DEATH. 319 

Hymn 475. l. m. 

1 rfl HAT awful hour will soon appear, 

JL Swift on the wings of time it flies, 
When all that pains or pleases here, 
Will vanish from my closing eyes. 

2 Death calls my friends, my neighbours hence, 

And none resist the fatal dart. 
Continual warnings strike my sense : 
And shall they fail to strike my heart? 

3 Think, O my soul ! how much depends 

On the short period of to-day : 
Shall time, which heav'n in mercy lends, 
Be negligently thrown away % 

4 Thy remnant minutes strive to use; 

Awake, rouse ev'ry active pow'r; 
And not in dreams and trifles lose 
This little, this important hour ! 

5 Lord of my life, inspire my heart 

With heav'nly ardour, grace divine; 
Nor let thy presence e'er depart, 

For strength, and life, and death are thine. 

6 O teach me the celestial skill, 

Each awful warning to improve ; 
And, while my days are short' ning still, 
Prepare me for the joys above ! 

Hymn 476. s. m. 

1 TTOW swift the torrent rolls, 
JLJL That bears us to the sea ! 

The tide that bears our thoughtless souls 
To vast eternity ! 

2 Our fathers, where are they, 

With all they call'd their own? 
28 



320 DEATH. 

Their joys and griefs, and hopes and cares, 
i And wealth and honour, gone. 

3 There, where the fathers lie, 

Must all the children dwell ; 
Nor other heritage possess, 
But such a gloomy cell. 

4 God of our fathers ! hear, 

Thou everlasting Friend ! 
While we, as on life's utmost verge, 
Our souls to thee commend. 

5 Of all the pious dead 

May we the footsteps trace ; 
Till with them, in the land of light, 
We dwell before thy face. 

Hymn 477. l. m. 

1 T> EHOLD the path which mortals tread 
_I3 Down to the regions of the dead ! 
Nor will the fleeting moments stay, 

Nor can we measure back our way. 

2 Our kindred and our friends are gone ; 
Know, O my soul, this doom thine own. 
Feeble as theirs thy mortal frame, 
The same thy way, thy home the same. 

3 From vital air, from cheerful light, 
To the cold grave's perpetual night, — 
From scenes of duty, means of grace, 
Must I to God's tribunal pass ! 

4 A wake my soul ! thy way prepare, 
And lose in this each meaner care ; 
With steady feet that path be trod, 
Which, through the grave, conducts to God. 



DEATH. 321 

5 Father ! to thee my all I trust ; 
And, if my flesh return to dust, 
J Tis thy Qecree, I bless thy hand, 
And die resign' d to thy command. 

Hymn 478. l. m. 

1 £^i OD of eternity ! from thee 
\I Did infant time his being draw ; 
Moments and days, and months and years, 

Revolve, by thine unvary'd law. 

2 Silent and slow they glide away ; 

Steady and strong the current flows; 
Lost in eternity's wide sea, 

The boundless gulf from which it rose. 

3 Thoughtless and vain, our mortal race 

Along the mighty stream are borne 
On to their everlasting home, — 

That country whence there's no return. 

4 Yet while the shore on either side 

Presents a gaudy flatt'ring show, 
We gaze, in fond amazement lost, 
Nor think to what a world we go. 

5 Great source of wisdom ! teach my heart 

To know the price of ev'ry hour: 
That time may bear me on to joys 
Beyond its measure and its pow'r. 

Hymn 479. s. m. 

1 fTl HE swift declining day 
JL How fast its moments fly ? 
While ev'ning's broad and gloomy shade 
Spreads o'er the western sky. 



322 DEATH. 

2 Ye mortals ! mark its pace ; * .. 

Improve the hours of light; 
And know, your Maker can command 
An instantaneous night. 

3 His word blots out the sun 

In its meridian blaze, 
And cuts from smiling, vig'rous youth 
The remnant of its days. 

4 On the dark mountain's brow 

Your feet shall quickly slide ; 
And from its airy summit dash 
Your momentary pride. 

5 Give glory to the Lord, 

Who rules the rolling sphere ; 
Submissive at his footstool bow, 
And seek salvation there. 

6 One thing demands your care: 

O be it still pursu'd ! 
Lest, slighted once, the season fair 
Should never be renew' d. 

Hymn 480. s. m. 

1 rpO-MORROW, Lord, is thine, 

JL Lodg'd in thy so v' reign hand; 
And if its sun arise and shine, 
It shines by thy command. 

2 Our moments fly apace, 

Nor will a minute stay : 
Just like a flood our hasty days 
Are sweeping us away. 

3 Well, if our days must fly, 

We'll keep their end in sight; 
We'll spend them all in wisdom's way, 
And let them speed their flight. 



DEATH. 323 

4 They'll waft us sooner o'er 
This life's tempestuous sea : 
Soon we shall reach the peaceful shore 
Of blest eternity. 

Hymn 481. l. m. 

1 r | iHE morning flow' rs display their sweets, 

JL And gay their silken leaves unfold, 
As careless of the noon-day heats, 
And fearless of the ev'ning cold. 

2 Nipp'd by the wind's untimely blast, 

Parch' d by the sun's directer ray, 
The momentary glories waste, 

The short-liv'd beauties die away. 

3 So blooms the human face divine, 

When youth its pride and beauty shows; 
Fairer than spring the colours shine, 
And sweeter than the virgin rose. 

4 Or worn by slowly rolling years, 

Or broke by sickness in a day, 
The fading glory disappears, 

The short-liv'd beauties die away. 

5 Yet these, new-rising from the tomb, 

With lustre brighter far shall shine j 
Revive with ever-during bloom, 
Safe from diseases and decline. 

6 Let sickness blast and death devour, 

If heav'n must recompense our pains; 
Perish the grass, and fade the flow'r, 
If firm the word of God remains. 



o 



Hymn 482. c. m. 

UR God ! our help in ages past, 
Our hope for years to come, 
28* 






324 DEATH. 

Our shelter from the stormy blast, 
And our eternal home ! 

2 Before the hills in order stood, 

Or earth receiv'd her frame, 
From everlasting thou art God, 
To endless years the same ' 

3 Thy word commands our flesh to dust, 

"Return, ye sons of men." 
All nations rose from earth at first, 
And turn to earth again. 

4 The busy tribes of flesh and blood, 

With all their hopes and fears, 
Are carried downwards by the flood, 
And lost in foil' wing years. 

5 Our God ! our help in ages past, 

Our hope for years to come ! 
Be thou our guard, while troubles last, 
And our eternal home. 

Hymn 483. c. m. 

1 "I ORD ! we adore thy wondrous name ; 
.1 1 And make that name our trust, 
Which rais'd at first this curious frame 

From mean and lifeless dust. 

2 Awhile these frail machines endure, 

The fabric of a day ; 
Then, know their vital pow'rs no more, 
But moulder back to clay. 

3 Yet, Lord ! whate'er is felt or fear'd, 

This thought is our repose, 
That he, by whom our frame was rear'd, 
Its various frailties knows. 

4 Thou view' st us with a pitying eye, 

While struggling with our load; 



DEATH. 325 



In pains and dangers thou art nigh, 
Our Father, and our God. 

5 Gently supported by thy love, 
We tend to realms of peace ; 
Where ev'ry pain shall far remove, 
And ev'ry weakness cease. 



Hymn 484. s. m. 

EHOLD the gloomy vale, 
Which thou, my soul, must tread, 
Beset with terrors fierce and pale, 
That leads thee to the dead. 



B 



2 Ye pleasing scenes, adieu ! 

Which I so long have known. 
My friends, a long farewell to you ! 
For I must pass alone. 

3 But see ! a ray of light, 

With splendours all divine, 
Breaks through these dreary realms of night, 
And makes its horrors shine. 

4 Where death, where darkness reigns, 

Jehovah is my stay : 
His rod my trembling feet sustains, 
His staff defends my way. 

5 Great Shepherd ! lead me on ; 

My soul disdains to fear. 
Death's gloomy phantoms all are flown, 
Now life's great Lord is near. 

Hymn 485. c. m. 

1 TTOW still and peaceful is the grave! 
XX Where, life's vain tumults past, 
Th' appointed house, by heav'n's decree, 
Receives us all at last. 



326 DEATH. 

2 The wicked there from troubling cease ; 

There passions rage no more ; 
And there the weary pilgrim rests 
From all the toils he bore. 

3 There rest the prisoners, now releas'd 

From slav'ry's sad abode; 
No more they hear th' oppressor's voice, 
Or dread the tyrant's rod. 

4 There, servants, masters, small and great, 

Partake the same repose : 
And there, in peace, the ashes mix 
Of those who once were foes. 

5 All, levell'd by the hand of death, 

Lie sleeping in the tomb ; 
Till God, in judgment, call them forth, 
To meet their righteous doom. 

Hymn 486. c. m. 

1 \ WAKE, ye saints ! and raise your eyes, 
JTjL And raise your voices high : 
Awake, and praise your Maker's love, 

Which shows salvation nigh. 

2 Swift on the wings of time it flies ; 

Each moment brings it near : 

Then welcome each declining day, 

Welcome each closing year ! 

3 Not many years their round shall run, 

Nor many mornings rise, 
Ere all its glories stand reveal' d 
To our admiring eyes. 

4 Ye wheels of nature ! speed your course; 

Ye mortal pow'rs ! decay : 
Sure as ye bring the night of death, 
Ye bring eternal day. 



DEATH. 327 

Hymn 487. c. m. 

1 ~¥"ff7"HILE to the grave our friends are borne, 

? ▼ Around their cold remains 
How all the tender passions mourn, 
And each fond heart complains ! 

2 But down to earth, alas ! in vain 

We bend our weeping eyes. 
Ah ! let us leave these seats of pain, 
And upwards learn to rise. 

3 Hope cheerful smiles amid the gloom, 

And beams a healing ray ; 
And guides us from the darksome tomb, 
To realms of endless day. 

4 To those bright courts when hope ascends, 

She calms the swelling wo ; 
In hope we meet our happy friends, 
And tears forget to flow. 

5 Then let our hearts repine no more, 

That earthly comfort dies ; 
But lasting happiness explore, 
And ask it from the skies. 

Hymn 488. c. m. 

1 "1TJTTHEN death appears before my sight, 

▼ T In all his dire array ; 
Unequal to the dreadful fight, 
My courage dies away. 

2 How shall I meet this potent foe, 

Whose frown my soul alarms? 
Dark horror sits upon his brow, 
And vict'ry waits his arms. 

3 But see my glorious Leader nigh ! 

Jesus, my Saviour, lives : 



328 DEATH. 

Before him death's pale terrors fly, 
And my faint heart revives. 

4 O may I meet the final hour 

With fortitude divine ! 
Sustain' d by God's almighty pow'r, 
The conquest must be mine. 

5 Lord ! I commit my soul to thee : 

Accept the sacred trust ; 
Receive this nobler part of me, 
And watch my sleeping dust. 

6 O let me join angelic lays, 

And, with the blissful throng, 
Resound salvation, pow'r, and praise, 
In everlasting song ! 

Hymn 489. l. m. 

1 "V¥7"HEN all the pow'rs of nature fail, 

v ¥ When sickness shall my heart assail, 
Shall ev'ry nobler part pervade, 
And ev'ry earthly wish shall fade: 

2 When pain, of ev'ry nerve possess' d, 
Shall vibrate in my throbbing breast ; 
And languor o'er my senses steal, 
And med'cine lose its pow'r to heal : 

3 When my dim eyes are sunk in death, 
And God, who gave, shall take my breath : 
Do thou sustain my fainting heart, 

And comfort to my soul impart. 

4 May thy bright presence bring relief 
From fear, despondency, and grief; 
Thy cheering voice direct my way 
To regions of eternal day ! 



'W 



DEATH. 329 

Hymn 490. p. m. 8,s,&6s. 

HEN life's tempestuous storms are o'er, 



How calm he meets the friendly shore, 

Who liv : d averse from sin ! 
Such peace on virtue's path attends, 
That, where the sinner's pleasure ends, 

The Christian's joys begin. 

2 See smiling patience smoothe his brow ! 
See bending angels downwards bow, 

To lift his soul on high ! 
While, eager for the blest abode, 
He joins with them to praise the God, 

Who taught him how to die. 

3 No sorrow drowns his lifted eyes; 
No horror wrests the struggling sighs, 

As from the sinner's breast : 
His God, the God of peace and love, 
Pours kindly solace from above, 

x\nd heals his soul with rest. 

4 O grant, my Saviour and my friend ! 
Such joys may gild my peaceful end, 

So calm my ev'ning close : 
While, loos' d from ev'ry earthly tie, 
With steady confidence I fly 

To thee from whom I rose ! 

Hymn 491. c. m. 

1 TUT ARK ! from on high a solemn voice; 
-in Let all attentive hear ! 

'Twill make each pious heart rejoice, 
And vanquish ev'ry fear. 

2 " Thrice blessed are the pious dead, 

Who in the Lord shall die ; 

Their weary flesh, as on a bed, 

Safe in the grave shall lie. 



330 DEATH. 

3 " Their holy souls, at length releas'd, 

To heav'n shall take their flight ; 
There to enjoy eternal rest, 
And infinite delight. 

4 " They drop each load as they ascend, 

And quit this world of wo ; 
Their labours with their lives shall end, 
Their rest no period know. 

5 " Their conflicts with their busy foes 

For evermore shall cease ; 
None shall their happiness oppose, 
Nor interrupt their peace. 

6 " But bright rewards shall recompense 

Their faithful service here ; 
And perfect love shall banish thence 
Each gloomy doubt and fear." 

Hymn 492. l. m. 

The Dying Christian. 

1 FT1HE hour of my departure's come; 

JL I hear the voice that calls me home 
At last, O Lord ! let trouble cease, 
And let thy servant die in peace. 

2 The race appointed I have run ; 
The combat's o'er, the prize is won; 
And now my witness is on high, 
And now my record's in the sky. 

3 Not in mine innocence I trust ; 
I bow before thee in the dust ; 

And through my Saviour's blood alone, 
I look for mercy at thy throne. 

4 I leave the world without a tear, 
Save for the friends I held so dear. 



DEATH. 331 



To heal their sorrow, Lord, descend, 
And to the friendless prove a friend. 

5 I come, I come at thy command ; 
I give my spirit to thy hand ; 
Stretch forth thine everlasting arms, 
And shield me in the last alarms ! 

6 The hour of my departure's come; 

I hear the voice that calls me home ; 
Now, O my God ! let trouble cease, 
Now let thy servant die in peace. 

Hymn 493. p. m. 7s & &. 

1 "YTITAL spark of heav'nly flame, 

¥ Quit, O quit this mortal frame ! 
Trembling, hoping, ling' ring, flying: 
O the pain, the bliss of dying ! 
Cease, fond nature, cease thy strife, 
And let me languish into life. 

2 Hark! they whisper; angels say, 
" Sister spirit, come away." 
What is this absorbs me quite, 
Steals my senses, shuts my sight, 
Drowns my spirit, draws my breath? 
Tell me, my soul, can this be death ? 

3 The world recedes ; it disappears. 
Heav'n opens on my eyes; my ears 
With sounds seraphic ring. 

Lend, lend your wings : I mount, I fly. 
O grave, where is thy vjctory ? 
O death, where is thy sting? 
29 



332 RESURRECTION. 

XXVIII, 

RESURRECTION. 



Hymn 494. p. m.ss. 

1 "INTERNAL God! how frail is man ! 
JLJ How few his hours, how short his span ! 

Short, from the cradle to the grave. 
Who can secure his vital breath 
Against the bold demands of death, 

With skill to fly or pow'r to save? 

2 But shall it, therefore, Lord ! be said, 
The race of man was only made 

For sickness, sorrow, and the dust ? 
Or if thy servants, day by day, 
Sink to their graves and turn to clay, 

Thou hast no kindness for the just ? 

3 Hast thou not given to thy Son 
An endless life, a heav'nly crown? 

Why then should flesh and sense despair? 
For ever blessed be the Lord, 
That we can read his holy word, 

And find a resurrection there. 

4 For ever blessed be the Lord, 
Who gives his saints a long reward 

For all their toil, reproach, and pain. 
Let all below and all above 
Join to proclaim thy wondrous love, 

And each repeat their loud "Amen." 

Hymn 495. c. m. 

1 TT O W long shall death, the tyrant, reign, 
A JL And triumph o'er the just, 
While the rich blood of martyrs slain 
Lies mingled with the dust ? 



RESURRECTION. 333 

2 Lo ! I behold the scatter' d shades ! 

The dawn of heav'n appears : 
The sweet, immortal morning spreads 
Its blushes round the spheres. 

3 I hear the voice, "ye dead, aris3," 

And, lo ! the graves obey ; 
And, waking saints with joyful eyes 
Salute th' expected day. 

4 They leave the dust, and on the wing 

Rise to the mid- way air ; 
In shining garments meet their King, 
And bow before him there. 

5 O may our humble spirits stand 

Among them cloth' d in white ! 
The meanest place at his right hand 
Is infinite delight. 

Hymn 496. l. m. 

1 ""C1ATHER of all! my soul defend : 
Jl On thee my steadfast hopes depend. 
Thee let me bless, the faithful guide, 
Whose counsels o'er my life preside. 

2 Though to the grave I must descend, 
(For thus has heav'n's high will ordain'd) 
Yet hope e'en there, my constant guest, 
Shall smoothe the pillow of my rest. 

3 Though death awhile reign o'er my frame, 
Thou from the grave my life wilt claim; 
And, to mine eyes, in full survey, 

The op'ning paths of life display: 

4 Those paths that to thy presence bear; 
For plenitude of bliss is there; 

And pleasure's streams, unmix' d with wo, 
At thy right hand for ever flow. 



334 resurrection. 

Hymn 497. l.m. 

1 "V^f7"HAT sinners value, I resign : 

▼ T Lord ! 'tis enough, that thou art mine ! 
I shall behold thy blissful face, 
And stand complete in righteousness. 

2 This life's a dream, an empty show; 
But the bright world, to which I go, 
Hath joys substantial and sincere : 
When shall I wake and find me there ! 

3 O glorious hour ! O blest abode ! 
I shall be near, and like my God; 
And flesh and sin no more control 
The sacred pleasures of the soul. 

4 My flesh shall slumber in the ground, 
Till the last trumpet's joyful sound ; 
Then burst the chains with sweet surprise, 
And in my Saviour's image rise. 

Hymn 498. l. m. 

1 "TVTO, I'll repine at death no more; 
_L^ But, calm and cheerful, will resign 
To the cold dungeon of the grave, 

These dying, with' ring limbs of mine. 

2 Let worms devour my wasting flesh, 

And crumble all my bones to dust : 
My God shall raise my frame anew 
At the revival of the just. 

3 Break, sacred morning ! through the skies, 

And usher in that glorious day. 
Come quickly, Lord ! cut short the hours : 
Thy ling' ring wheels, how long they stay ! 



RESURRECTION. 335 

Hymn 499. s. m. 

1 \ ND must this body die ? 

J_Jl This well-wrought frame decay? 
And must these active limbs of mine 
Lie mould' ring in the clay ! 

2 God, my Redeemer lives, 

And ever from the skies 
Looks down, and watches all my dust, 
Till he shall bid me rise. 

3 Array' d in glorious grace, 

Shall all his servants shine ; 
And, fashion' d like their ris'n head 
Be heav'nly and divine. 

4 These lively hopes we owe 

To Jesus' dying love : 
may we bless his grace below, 
And sing his grace above ! 



XXIX. 

JUDGMENT AND END OF THE WORLD. 



Hymn 500. c. m. 

1 TTEAV'N has confirm' d the great decree 
Xjl That Adam's race must die : 

One general ruin sweeps them down, 
And low in dust they lie. 

2 Ye living men, the tomb survey, 

Where you must quickly dwell. 
29* 



336 JUDGMENT AND END 

Hark, how the awful summons sounds 
In ev'ry fun'ral knell! 

3 Once you must die, and once for all : 

The solemn purport weigh ; 
For know, that heav'n and hell are hung 
On that important day. 

4 Those eyes so long in darkness veil'd, 

Must wake, the Judge to see ; 
And ev'ry word, and ev'ry thought 
Must pass his scrutiny. 

5 O may I in the Judge behold 

My Saviour and my friend; 
And far beyond the reach of death 
With all his saints ascend ! 

Hymn 501. l. m. 

1 1%/I"Y waken' d soul, extend thy wings 
J_T JL Beyond the verge of mortal things ; 
See this vain world in smoke decay, 

And rocks and mountains melt away. 

2 Behold the fiery deluge roll 

Through heav'n' s wide arch from pole to pole ! 
Pale sun, no more thy lustre boast; 
Tremble and fall, ye starry host. 

3 The wreck of nature all around, 

The angel's shout, the trumpet's sound, 
Loud the descending Judge proclaim, 
And echo his tremendous name. 

4 Children of Adam, all appear 
With rev'rence round his awful bar; 
For, as his lips pronounce, ye go 
To endless bliss or unknown wo. 

5 Lord ! to mine eyes the scene display, 
Frequent through each returning day ; 



OF THE WORLD. 337 

And let thy grace my soul prepare 
To meet its fall redemption there ! 

Hymn 502. c. m. 

1 r ■ 1 HE day approaches, O my soul ! 

A The great decisive day. 
Which from the verge of mortal life 
Shall bear thee far away. 

2 Another day more awful dawns, 

And, lo, the Judge appears. 
Ye heav'ns, retire before his face; 
And sink, ye darken' d stars. 

3 Yet does one short preparing hour, 

One precious hour remain : 
Rouse thee, my soul, with all thy pow'r, 
Nor let it pass in vain. 

4 With me, my brethren soon must die, 

And at his bar appear : 
Then be our intercourse improv'd 
To mutual comfort here. 

5 For this, thy temple, Lord ! we throng ; 

For this, thy board surround. 

Here may our service be appro v'd, 

And in thy presence crown' d. 

Hymn 503. p. m. ios. & us. 

1 r 1 1 HE God of glory sends his summons forth, 
JL Calls the south nations, and awakes the north; 
From east to west his so v' reign orders spread, 
Through distant worlds and regions of the dead. 
The trumpet sounds : hell trembles ; heav'n rejoices; 
Lift up your heads, ye saints, with cheerful voices. 



338 JUDGMENT AND END 

2 No more shall atheists moek his long delay ; 
His vengeance sleeps no more ; behold the day ! 
Behold, the Judge descends ! his guards are nigh 
Tempests and fire attend him down the sky. 
When God appears, all nature shall adore him : 
While sinners tremble I saints rejoice before him. 

3 Sinners, awake betimes ; ye fools, be wise ; 
Awake, before this dreadful morning rise. 
Change your vain thoughts, your wicked ways 

amend ; 
Fly to the Saviour, make the Judge your friend. 
Then join the saints; wake ev'ry cheerful passion: 
When Christ returns, he comes for your salvation. 

Hymn 504. l. m. 

1 fin HE Lord, the Judge, his churches warns : 

JL Let hypocrites attend and fear, 
Who place their hopes in rites and forms, 
But make not faith nor love their care. 

2 They dare rehearse his awful name 

With lips of falsehood and deceit ; 
A friend or brother they defame, 

And soothe and flatter those they hate. 

3 They watch to do their neighbours wrong, 

Yet dare to seek their Maker's face ; 
They take his cov'nant on their tongue, 
But break his laws, abuse his grace. 

4 And, while his judgments long delay, 

They grow secure and sin the more ; 
They think he sleeps, as well as they ; 
And put far off the evil hour. 

5 O dreadful hour, when God draws near, 

And sets their crimes before their eyes 



OF THE WORLD. 339 

Anguish their guilty souls shall tear, 
And no deliv'rer dare to rise. 

Hymn 505. p.m. 8,4,&es. 

1 /J ! he cometh ! countless trumpets 

■ 1 Blow to raise the sleeping dead ; 
Midst ten thousand saints and angels, 

See their great exalted head. 
Hallelujah, 

Welcome, welcome, Son of God. 

2 Ev'ry island, sea, and mountain, 

Heav'n and earth shall flee away. 
All, who hate him, must, confounded, 

Hear the trump proclaim the day : 
Come to judgment ! 

Come to judgment ! come away ! 

3 At his call, the dead awaken, 

Rise to life from earth and sea; 
All the pow'rs of nature, shaken 

By his looks, prepare to flee. 
Careless sinner, 

What will then become of thee ? 

4 But to those, who have confessed, 

Lov'd and serv'd the Lord below, 
He will say, " come near, ye blessed, 

See the kingdom I bestow : 
You for ever 

Shall my love and glory know." 

5 Under sorrows and reproaches, 

May this thought our courage raise ! 
Swiftly God's great day approaches, 

Sighs shall then be chang'd to praise. 
May we triumph, 

When the world is in a blaze ! 



340 judgment and end 

Hymn 506. l. m. 

1 r j 1 HE mighty deep gives up her trust, 

JL Aw'd by the Judge's high command; 
Both small and great now quit their dust, 
And round the dread tribunal stand. 

2 Behold the awful books display' d, 

Big with th' important fates of men ; 
Each deed and word now public made, 
As wrote by heav'n's unerring pen. 

3 To ev'ry soul the books assign 

The joyous or the dread reward : 
Sinners in vain lament and pine ; 
No plea the Judge will here regard. 

4 Lord ! when these awful leaves unfold, 

May life's fair book my soul approve; 
There may I read my name enroll' d, 
And triumph in redeeming love ! 

Hymn 507. p. m. &. 

Transitory Nature and End of the World. 

1 CI PRING up, my soul, with ardent flight, 
^3 Nor let this earth delude thy sight 

With glitt'ring trifles, gay and vain. 
Wisdom divine directs thy fc view 
To objects ever grand and new 

And faith displays the shining train. 

2 Be dead, my hopes, to all below ; 
Nor let unbounded torrents flow, 

When mourning o'er my wither 7 d joys. 
So this deceitful world is known : 
Possess' d, I call it not mine own, 

Nor glory in its painted toys. 



OF THE WORLD. 341 

The empty pageant rolls along; 
The giddy inexperienc'd throng 

Pursue it with enchanted eyes : 
It passeth in swift march away ; 
Still more and more its charms decay, 

Till the last gaudy colour dies. 

My God ! to thee my soul shall turn j 
To thee my noblest passions burn, 

And drink in bliss from thee alone. 
I fix on that unchanging home, 
Where never-fading pleasures bloom, 

Fresh-springing round thy radiant throne. 

Hymn 508. c. m. 

WHY should this world delight us so ? 
Why should we fix our eyes 
On these low grounds, where sorrows grow, 
And ev'ry pleasure dies? 

While time his sharpest teeth prepares, 

Our comforts to devour ; 
There is a land above the stars, 

And joys above his pow'r. 

Nature shall be dissolved and die; 

The sun must end his race ; 
The earth and sea for ever fly 

Before my Maker's face. 

When will that glorious morning rise, 

When the last trumpet's sound 
Shall call the nations to the skies, 

From underneath the ground? 



342 :beaven. 

XXX. 

HEAVEN. 



Hymn 509. l. m. 

TO heav'n, my longing soul ! aspire, 
And soar aloft with strong desire. 
Here choose thy lot, here fix thy rest, 
And aim for ever to be blest. 

Still keep yon blissful world in view, 
And close the glorious chase pursue; 
The way leads up to rest above, 
Through paths of purity and love. 

This track pursue with ardent zeal ; 
Each lust subdue, each foe repel ; 
Still stretch thy wings, and upwards rise : 
Eternal glory is the prize ! 

Hymn 510. c. m. 

1 IVfOR eye hath seen, nor ear hath heard, 
jL\ Nor sense nor reason known, 

What joys the Father has prepar'd 
For those that love the Son. 

2 But the good Spirit of the Lord 

Reveals a heav'n to come : 

The beams of glory in his word 

Allure and guide us home. 

3 Pure are the joys above the sky, 

And all the region peace; 
No wanton lips, nor envious eye, 
Can see or taste the bliss. 

4 Those holy gates for ever bar 

Pollution, sin, and shame; 



HEAVEN. 343 



None shall obtain admittance there, 
But foll'wers of the Lamb. 

5 He keeps the Father's book of life ; 
There all their names are found; 
The hypocrite in vain shall strive 
To tread the heav'nly ground. 

Hymn 511. s. m. 

1 lil AR from these scenes of night, 
JT Unbounded glories rise, 

And realms of infinite delight, 
Unknown to mortal eyes. 

2 Fair land ! could mortal eyes 

But half its charms explore; 

How would our spirits long to rise, 

And dwell on earth no more ! 

3 There sickness never comes ; 

There grief no more complains ; 
Health triumphs in immortal bloom, 
And purest pleasure reigns. 

4 No strife, nor envy there 

The sons of peace molest ; 
But harmony and love sincere 
Fill ev'ry happy breast. 

5 No cloud those regions know, 

For ever bright and fair; 
For sin, the source of mortal wo, 
Can never enter there. 

6 There's no alternate night, 

Nor sun's faint, sickly ray; 
But glory, from th' eternal throne. 
Spreads everlasting day. 

7 Oh ! may this prospect fire 

Our hearts with ardent love; 
30 



344 HEAVEN. 

May lively faith and strong desire 
Bear ev'ry thought above! 

Hymn 512. p. m. ios & n s . 

1 /~^N wings of faith, mount upjxry soul and rise, 
\J' View thine inheritance beyond the skies. 
Nor heart can think, nor mortal tongue can tell, 
What endless pleasures in those mansions dwell. 
Here our Redeemer lives, all bright and glorious ; 
O'er sin, and death, and hell, he reigns victorious. 

2 No gnawing grief no sad heart-rending pain, 
In that blest country can admission gain ; 
No sorrow there, no soul-tormenting fear ; 
For Gods own hand shall wipe the falling tear. 
Here our Redeemer lives, &c. 

3 Before the throne a crystal river glides ; 
Immortal verdure decks its cheerful sides; 
Here the fair tree of life majestic rears 
Its blooming head, and sov' reign virtue bears. 
Here our Redeemer lives, &c. 

Hymn 513. c. m. 

1 "V^E golden lamps of heav'n ! farewell, 
JL With all your feeble light. 

Farewell, thou ever-changing moon, 
Pale empress of the night ! 

2 And thou, refulgent orb of day, 
In brighter flames array' d ! 

My soul, which springs beyond thy sphere, 
No more demands thine aid. 

3 Ye stars are but the shining dust 
Of my divine abode, 

The pavement of those heav'nly courts, 
Where I shall reign with God* 



HEAVEN. 345 

4 The Father of eternal light 

Shall there his beams display; 
Nor shall one moments darkness mix 
With that unvary'd day. 

5 No more the drops of piercing grief 

Shall swell into mine eyes ; 
Nor the meridian sun decline 
Amidst those brighter skies. 

6 There all the millions of his saints 

Shall in one song unite, 
And each the bliss of all shall share 
With infinite delight. 

Hymn 514. l. m. 

1 'MA ROM north and south, from east and west, 
J- Advance the myriads of the blest ; 
From ev'ry clime of earth they come, 

And find in heav'n a common home. 

2 Howe'er divided here below, 

One bliss, one spirit now they know ; 
And, all their doubts and darkness o'er, 
One common Parent now adore. 

3 On earth, according to their light, 
They strove to practise what was right; 
Hence all their errors are forgiv'n, 
And Jesus welcomes them to heav'n. 

4 See, how along the immortal meads 
His glorious host the Saviour leads ! 
And brings the myriads none can count, 
To seats of joy on Zion's mount ! 



■N 



Hymn 515. c. m. 

OT to the terrors of the Lord, 
The tempest, fire, and smoke ; 



346 HEAVEN. 

Not to the thunder of that word, 
Which God oil Sinai spoke : 

2 But we are come to Zion's hill, 

The city of our God, 
Where milder words declare his will, 
And spread his love abroad. 

3 Behold th' innumerable host 

Of angels, cloth' d in light ! 
Behold the spirits of the just, 
Whose faith is turn'd to sight ! 

4 Behold the blest assembly there, 

Whose names are writ in heav'n ! 
And God, the Judge of all, declare 
Their num'rous sins forgiv'n. 

5 The saints on earth, and all the dead, 

But one communion make : 
All join in Christ, the living head, 
And heav'nly joys partake. 

6 In such society as this 

My weary soul would rest ! 
The man that dwells where Jesus is, 
Must be for ever blest. 

Hymn 516. c. m. 

1 /^1 OME, Lord, and warm each languid heart, 
\^J Inspire each lifeless tongue ; 

And let the joys of heav'n impart 
Their influence to our song. 

2 Sorrow, and pain, and ev'ry care, 

And discord there shall cease : 
And perfect joy and love sincere 
Adorn the realms of peace. 

3 The soul, from sin for ever free, 

Shall mourn its pow'r no more; 



HEAVEN. 347 

But, cloth' d in spotless purity, 
Redeeming love adore. 

4 There, on a throne, how drizzling bright, 

Th' exalted Saviour shines, 
And beams ineffable delight 
On all the heav'nly minds. 

5 There shall the folFwers of the Lamb 

Join in immortal songs, 
And endless honours to his name 
Employ their tuneful tongues. 

6 Lord, tune our hearts to praise and love, 

Our feeble notes inspire; 
Till, in thy blissful courts above, 
We join th' angelic choir. 



Hymn 517. c. m. 

_i_ 1 And ardour fire our breast, 
To reign in worlds above the skies, 
In heav'nly glories drest. 

2 Behold Jehovah's roval hand 

A radiant crown display, 
Whose gems with vivid lustre shine, 
While suns and stars decay. 

3 No more I seek for transient good, 

Nor longer call it mine : 
1 spring to seize superior joys, 
Immortal and divine. 

4 Ye hearts with youthful vigour warm, 

The glorious prize pursue ; 
Nor shall ye want the goods of earth, 
While heav'n is kept in view. 
30* 



348 HEAVEN. 

Hymn 518. c. m. 

1 FT! HERE is a land of pure delight, 

JL Where saints immortal reign ; 
Infinite day excludes the night, 
And pleasures banish pain. 

2 There everlasting spring abides, 

And never-with'ring flow'rs. 
Death, like a narrow sea, divides 
This heav'nly land from ours. 

3 Sweet fields, beyond the swelling flood, 

Stand dress' d in living green : 
So to the Jews old Canaan stood, 
While Jordan roll'd between. 

4 But tim'rous mortals start and shrink, 

To cross this narrow sea, 
And linger, shiv'ring, on the brink, 
And fear to launch away. 

5 O ! could we make our doubts remove, 

Those gloomy doubts that rise ; 
And view the Canaan that we love 
With unbeclouded eyes ! 

6 Could we but climb where Moses stood, 

And view the landscape o'er : 
Not Jordan's stream, nor death's cold flood, 
Should fright us from the shore. 

Hymn 519. c. m. 

1 r ■ 1 HOSE happy realms of joy and peace, 

JL Fain would my heart explore, 
Where grief and pain for ever cease, 
And I shall sin no more. 

2 No darkness there shall cloud the eyes, 

No languor seize the frame ; 



HEAVEN. 349 

But ever-active vigour rise 
To feed the vital flame. 

3 But, ah ! a dreary vale between, 

Extends its awful gloom : 
Fear spreads, to hide the distant scene, 
The horrors of the tomb. 

4 O, for the eye of faith divine, 

To pierce beyond the grave ! ' 
To see that friend, and call him mine, 
Whose arm is strong to save ! 

5 Here fix, my soul ! for life is here ; 

Light breaks amid the gloom. 
Trust in Jehovah's love, nor fear 
The horrors of the tomb. 

Hymn 520. l. m. 

1 "TT1ROM this world's joys and senseless mirth, 
JO O come, my soul ! in haste retire ; 
Assume the grandeur of thy birth, 

And to thy native heav'n aspire. 

2 'Tis heav'n alone can make thee blest, 

Can ev'ry wish and want supply; 
Thy joy, thy crown, thy endless rest, 
Are all above the lofty sky. 

3 Eternal mansions ! bright array ! 

O blest exchange ! transporting thought ! 
Free from th' approaches of decay 
Or the least shadow of a spot. 

4 There shall mortality no more 

Its wide-extended empire boast; 
Forgotten all its dreadful pow'r, 
In life's unbounded ocean lost. 



350 



HEAVEN, 



There dwells the sov' reign Lord of all, 
The God that all the worlds adore ; 

With whom is bliss that cannot pall, 
And joys that last for evermore. 



s 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS 



Hymn 521. p. m. 73. 

Songs of Praise. 

1 CI ONGS of praise the angels sang, 
k3 Heav'n with hallelujahs rang, 
When Jehovah's work hegun, 
When he spake and it was done. 

2 Songs of praise awoke the morn, 
When the Prince of peace was born ; 
Songs of praise arose, when he 
Captive led captivity. 

3 Heav'n and earth must pass away ; 
Songs of praise shall crown that day. 
God will make new heav'ns and earth ; 
Songs of praise shall hail their birth. 

*4 And shall man alone be dumb, 
Till that glorious kingdom come? 
No : — the church delights to raise 
Psalms, and hymns, and songs of praise. 

5 Saints below, with heart and voice, 
Still in songs of praise rejoice ; 
Learning here by faith and love, 
Songs of praise to sing above. 

6 Borne upon their latest breath, 
Songs of praise shall conquer death : 
Then, amidst eternal joy, / 
Songs of praise their pow'rs employ 



352 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Hymn 522. p. m. io s & us. 
Revelation xv. 3, 4. 

1 TTOW wondrous and great thy works, God of 
JL JL praise ! 

How just, King of saints, and true are thy ways ! 
O who shall not fear thee, and honour thy name ? 
Thou only art holy, thou only supreme ! 

2 To nations long dark thy light shall be shown ; 
Their worship and vows shall come to thy throne. 
Thy truth and thy judgments shall spread all abroad, 
Till earth's ev'ry people confess thee their God. 

Hymn 523. p. m. io s & us. 

Adoring Praise. Psalm civ. 

1 /~\ PRAISE ye the Lord, his greatness proclaim : 
V>F Jehovah, our God, how awful thy name ! 
How vast is thy power, thy glory how great ! 
Lo, myriads of spirits thy mandates await I 

2 Thy canopy's heav'n, in splendour so bright; 
Thy chariot the clouds, thy garment the light. 
The works of creation thy bidding perform ; 
Thou ridest the whirlwind, directest the storm. 

3 What wisdom is shown, what power display 1 d 
In all that thy hand hath fashion' d and made ! 
The earth full of riches, in beauty complete ; 
The fathomless ocean, with wonders replete. 

4 O thou, our great God, Redeemer, and King ! 
With hearts full of love to thee will we sing ; 
To life's latest moment our voices we'll raise, 
And join in the chorus of blessing and praise. 



additional hymns. 353 

Hymn 524. l. m. 

God exalted above all Praise. 

1 T71 TERNAL Pow'r ! whose high abode 

l^i Becomes the grandeur of a God ; 
Infinite lengths beyond the bounds 
Where stars revolve their little rounds ! 

2 Far in the depths of space, thy throne 
Burns with a lustre all its own : 

In shining ranks beneath thy feet, 
Angelic pow'rs and splendours meet. 

3 Lord, what shall feeble mortals do ? 
We would adore our Maker too : 
With lowly minds to thee we cry, 
The Great, the Holy, and the High. 

4 God is in heav'n, and man below : 
Short be our tunes, our words be few : 
Let sacred rev'rence check our songs, 
And praise sit silent on our tongues. 

Hymn 525. l. m. 

God's Power and Majesty. 

1 ORD God of armies, who can boast 

JLi Of strength or pow'r like thine renown'd? 
Of such a num'rous faithful host, 

As that which does thy throne surround ? 

2 What seraph of celestial birth 

To vie with Israel's God shall dare? 
Or who among the gods of earth 
With our Almighty Lord compare ? 

3 Thine arm is potent, high thy hand : 

Yet, Lord, thou dost with justice reign. 



354 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Possess' d of absolute command, 
Thou truth and mercy wilt sustain. 

4 With rev'rence and religious dread, 

Thy saints shall to thy temple press ; 
Thy fear through all their hearts shall spread, 
Who thine almighty name confess. 

5 And in thy strength shall they advance ; 

Their conquests from thy favour spring : 
The Lord of hosts is their defence, 
And Israel's God is Israel's King. 

Hymn 526. l. m. 

The Presence of God makes every Place delightful* 

1 ^^H thou, by long experience try'd, 
\J- Near whom no grief can long abide ! 
All scenes alike engaging prove 

To souls impress' d with sacred love. 

2 I can be calm and free from care 
On any shore, since thou art there ; 
And with my God to guide my way, 
3 Tis equal joy to go or stay. 

3 Could I be cast where thou art not, 
That were indeed a dreadful lot : 
But regions none remote I call, 
Secure of finding thee in all. 

Hymn 527. p. m. &. 

God Omnipresent and Omniscient, 

1 OE ARCHER of hearts! to thee are known 
k3 The inmost secrets of my breast. 
At home, abroad, in crowds, alone, 
Thou mark'st my rising and my rest, 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS, 355 

My thoughts far ofi\ through ev'ry maze, 
Source, stream, and issue — all my ways. 

2 No word that from my mouth proceeds, 

Evil or good, escapes thine ear. 
Witness thou art to all my deeds — 

Before, behind, for ever near. 
Such knowledge is for me too high : 
I live but in my Maker's eye. 

3 How from thy presence should I go, 

Or whither from thy Spirit flee ; 
Since all above, around, below, 

Exist in thine immensity, 
And feel thine all-controlling will, 
While thy right hand upholds them still ? 

4 How precious are thy thoughts of peace, 

O God, to me ! how vast the sum ! 
New ev'ry morn, they never cease; 

They were, they are, and yet shall come, 
In number and in compass more 
Than all the sand of ocean's shore. 

5 Search me, O God, and know my heart ; 

Try me, my secret soul survey ; 
And warn thy servant to depart 

From ev'ry false and evil way; 
And let thy truth my guidance be 
To life and immortality. 

Hymn 528. l. m. 

Divine Mercy and Compassion. 

1 /~\ GOD, how free thy mercies flow ! 
\J But thy reluctant wrath, how slow ! 
High as the bright expanded skies, 

Thy vast, unbounded mercies rise. 

2 As distant as creating pow'r 

Has fix'd the east and western shore, 
31 



^ 



356 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

So far our num'rous crimes remove 
At the sweet voice of pard'ning love. 

3 The tend' rest yearning nature knows ; 
A father's love, too faintly shows 
The ever-kind, indulgent care, 
Which God's obedient children share. 

4 His mercy with unchanging rays 
For ever shines, while time decays ; 
And children's children shall record 
The truth and goodness of the Lord. 

Hymn 529. p. m. &. 

The Pardoning God. Micah vii. 18. 

1 fi RE AT God of wonders ! all thy ways 
vjT Are matchless, heav'nly and divine : 
But the bright glories of thy grace 

More godlike and unrivall'd shine. 
Who is a pard'ning God like thee? 
Or who has grace so rich and free ? 

2 Sirfs of such horror to forgive, 

Such guilty, daring worms to spare — 
This is thy grand prerogative, 

And none shall in thine honour share. 
Who is a pard'ning God like thee ? 
Or who has grace so rich and free ? 

3 Angels and men resign their claim 

To pity, mercy, love, and grace : 
These glories crown Jehovah's name 

With an incomparable blaze. 
Who is a pard'ning God like thee? 
Or who has grace so rich and free? 

4 In wonder lost, with trembling joy 

We take the pardon of our God- 
Pardon for sins of deepest dye, 
A pardon seal'd with Jesus' blood. 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 357 

Who is a pard'ning God like thee? 
Or who has grace so rich and free? 

5 O may this vast, this matchless grace, 

This godlike miracle of love, 
Fill the wide earth with grateful praise, 

And all th' angelic choirs above ! 
Who is a pard'ning God like thee? 
Or who has grace so rich and free ? 

Hymn 530. l. m. 

Lord, what is Man ? 

1 T ORD, what is man? Extremes how wide 

I k In his mysterious nature join ! 
The flesh, to earth and dust allied ; 
The soul, immortal and divine ! 

2 Lord, what is man, when grace reveals 

Pardon and hope through Jesus' blood? 
A pow'r, a life divine he feels, 

Despises earth, and walks with God. 

3 And what, in yonder realms above, 

Is ransom' d man ordain' d to be; 
With honour, holiness, and love 
Adorn'd, and ever dear to thee? 

4 In endless bliss and rapt'rous song, 

Shall man his hallelujahs raise ; 
While hosts of angels round thee throng, 
And swell the chorus of thy praise. 

Hymn 531. l. m. 

Providential Bounties improved, 

I "FEATHER of lights! we sing thy name, 
Jj Who kindlest up the lamp of day : 
Wide as he spreads his golden flame, 
His beams thy pow'r and love display. 



358 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

2 Fountain of good ! from thee proceed 

The copious drops of genial rain, 
Which, o'er the hill and through the mead, 
Revive the grass and swell the grain. 

3 Through the wide world thy bounties spread, 

Yet millions of our guilty race, 
Though by thy daily bounty fed, 

Affront thy law, and spurn thy grace. 

4 Not so may our forgetful hearts 

O'erlook the tokens of thy care; 
But, what thy lib'ral hand imparts, 
Still own in praise, still ask in pray'r. 

5 So shall our suns more grateful shine, 

And show'rs in sweeter drops shall fall, 
When all our hearts and lives are thine, 
And thou, O God, enjoy' d in all. 

Hymn 532. s. m. 

God our Shepherd. Psalm xxiii, 

1 fTl HE Lord my Shepherd is, 

JL I shall be well supplied: 

Since he is mine, and I am his, 

What can I want beside? 

2 He leads me to the place 

Where heav'nly pasture grows, 
Where living waters gently pass, 
And full salvation flows. 

3 If e'er I go astray, 

He doth my soul reclaim, 
And guides me in his own right way, 
For his most holy name. 

4 While he affords his aid, 

I cannot yield to fear : 
Though I should walk thro' death's dark shade, 
My Shepherd's with me there. 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 359 

5 The bounties of his love 

Shall crown my foil' wing days; 
Nor from his house shall I remove, 
Nor cease to speak his praise. 

Hymn 533. p. m. 7s. 

All from God. 

1 TT1ATHER! thy paternal care 

JF Has my guardian been, my guide 
Ev'ry hallow' d wish and pray'r 

Has thy hand of love supply' d. 
Thine is ev'ry thought of bliss, 

Left by hours and days gone by ; 
Ev'ry hope thine offspring is, 

Beaming from futurity. 

2 Ev'ry sun of splendid ray; 

Ev'ry moon that shines serene; 
Ev'ry morn that welcomes day; 

Ev'ry evening's twilight scene; 
Ev'ry hour which wisdom brings; 

Ev'ry incense at thy shrine; 
These — and all life's holiest things ; 

And its fairest — all are thine. 

4 And for all, my hymns shall rise 

Daily to thy gracious throne : 
Thither let mine asking eyes 

Turn unweary'd — righteous one ! 
Through life's strange vicissitude 

There reposing all my care ; 
Trusting still, through ill and good, 

Fix'd, and cheer'd, and counsell'd there. 

Hymn 534. p. m. &. 

The Mariner's Hymn. 

1 " I ORD of the Sea ! thy potent sway 
JLj Old Ocean's wildest waves obey. 

31* 



360 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

The gale that whistles through the shrouds, 
The storm that drives the frighted clouds, — 
If but thy whisper order peace, 
How soon their rude commotions cease ! 

2 Lord of the Sea ! the seaman keep 
From all the dangers of the deep ! 
When high the white-capp'd billows rise, 
When tempests roar along the skies, 
When foes or shoals awaken fear — 

O in thy mercy be thou near ! 

3 Lord of the Sea ! a sea is life 

Of care and sorrow, wo and strife ! 
With watchful pains we steer along, 
To keep the right path, shun the wrong. 

grant, when here we cease to roam, 
To us an everlasting home ! 

Hymn 535. p.m. 7s. 

Our times in the hand of God. 

1 OOV'REIGN ruler of the skies, 
k3 Ever gracious, ever wise ! 
All my times are in thy hand, 

All events at thy command. 

2 Thou did' st form me by thy pow'r ; 
Thou wilt guide me, hour by hour : 
All my times shall ever be 
Order' d by thy wise decree : — 

3 Times of sickness, times of health ; 
Times of penury and wealth j 
Times of trial and of grief; 
Times of triumph and relief. 

4 O thou gracious, wise, and just ! 
Unto thee my life I trust. 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 361 

Have I somewhat dearer still ? 
I resign it to thy will. 

5 May I always own thy hand ; 
Still to thee surrender' d stand; 
Know that thou art God alone ; 
I and mine are all thine own. 

Hymn 536. c. m. 

God sends both Prosperity and Adversity 

THE Lord ! how tender is his love ! 
His justice, how august ! 
Hence all her fears my soul derives ; 
There anchors all my trust. 

He show'rs the manna from above, 

To feed the barren waste ; 
Or points with death the dreadful hail, 

And famine waits the blast. 

3 Crowns, realms, and worlds, his wrath incens'd, 

Are dust beneath his tread : 
He blights the fair, unplumes the proud, 
And shakes the learned head. 

4 He bids distress forget to groan, 

The sick from anguish cease : 
In dungeons spreads his healing wing, 
And softly whispers peace. 

5 For me, O Lord ! whatever lot 

The hours commissioned bring: 
Do all my with' ring blessings die, 
Or fairer clusters spring : 

6 O grant that still, with grateful heart, 

My years resign' d may run: 
*Tis thine to give or to resume; 
And may thy will be done ! 



362 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Hymn 537. c. m. 

God's Providence, and the Folly of Self-depend- 
ence. 

1 /^ OD reigns ; events in order flow, 
VJT Man's industry to guide : 

But in a different channel go, 
To humble human pride. 

2 The swift not always, in the race, 

Shall seize the crowning prize ; 
Not always wealth and honour grace 
The labours of the wise. 

3 Fond mortals but themselves beguile, 

When on themselves they rest : 
Blind is their wisdom, vain their toil, 
By thee, O Lord, unbless'd. 

4 Evil and good before thee stand, 

Their mission to perform : 
The sun shines bright at thy command, 
Thy hand directs the storm. 

5 O Lord, in all our ways we'll own 

Thy providential pow'r j 
Entrusting to thy care alone 
The lot of ev'ry hour. 

Hymn 538. p. m. ms. 

Chris? s Advent, " Prepare ye the way of the Lord. 11 

1 \ VOICE from the desert comes awful and 
J\- shrill: 

The Lord is advancing ! prepare ye the way ! 
The word of Jehovah he comes to fulfil, 

And o'er the dark world pour the splendor of day. 

2 Bring down the proud mountain, though tow' ring 

to heav'n, 
And be the low valley exalted on high : 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 363 

The rough path and crooked be made smoothe and 
even ; 
For, Zion ! your King, your Redeemer is nigh. 

3 The beams of salvation his progress illume ; 

The lone, dreary wilderness sings of her Lord; 
The rose and the myrtle there suddenly bloom, 
And the olive of peace spreads its branches 
abroad. 

Hymn 539. c. m. 

Christ 1 s Character foretold. 

1 r> EHOLD my servant, see him rise 
J3 Exalted in my might ! 

Him have I chosen, and in him 
I place supreme delight. 

2 Gentle and still shall be his voice ; 

No threats from him proceed ; 
The smoking flax shall he not quench, 
Nor break the bruised reed. 

3 The feeble spark to flames he'll raise; 

The weak will not despise ; 
Judgment he shall bring forth to truth, 
And make the fallen rise. 

4 The progress of his zeal and power 

Shall never know decline, 
Till foreign lands and distant isles 
Receive the law divine. 

Hymn 540. p. m. 8s & 7s. 

Soyig of the Angels at Bethlehem. 
ARK ! what mean those holy voices, 



H 



Sweetly sounding through the skies? 
Lo ! th' angelic host rejoices ; 
Heavenly hallelujahs rise. 



364 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

2 Listen to the wondrous story, 

Which they chant in hymns of joy : 
" Glory in the highest, glory ! 
Glory be to God most high ! 

3 " Peace on earth, good- will from heaven, 

Reaching far as man is found : 
Souls redeemed and sins forgiven : — 
Loud our golden harps shall sound. 

4 "Christ is born, the great anointed : 

Heav'n and earth his praises sing ! 
O receive whom God appointed 
For your prophet, priest, and king." 

5 Let us learn the wondrous story 

Of our great Redeemer's birth ; 
Spread the brightness of his glory, 
Till it cover all the earth. 

Hymn 541. l. m. 

Prophecy fulfilled in Christ 1 s birth. 

1 £^\ LORY to God who reigns above, 

VX Who dwells in light, whose name is love 
Ye saints and angels, if ye can, 
Declare the grace of God to man. 

2 Messiah's come : with joy behold 
The days by prophets long foretold. 
Judah, thy royal sceptre's broke, 

And time still proves what Jacob spoke. 

3 Daniel, thy weeks are all expir'd, 
The time prophetic seals requir'd: 
Cut off for sins, but not his own, 
Thy Prince, Messiah, did atone. 

4 We see the prophecies fulfill' d 

In Jesus, God's most "holy child." 
His birth, his life, his death combine, 
To prove his character divine. 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 365 

Hymn 542. p. m. 7s. & e s . 

Psalm lxxii. 

1 TTAIL to the Lord's Anointed, 
AJ. Great David's greater Son ! 
Hail, in the time appointed, 

His reign on earth begun ! 
He comes to break oppression, 

To set the captive free ; 
To take away transgression, 

And rule in equity. 

2 He comes with succour speedy 

To those who suffer wrong ; 
To help the poor and needy, 

And bid the weak be strong : 
To give them songs for sighing; 

Their darkness turn to light, 
Whose souls, condemn' d and dying, 

Were precious in his sight. 

3 He shall descend like showers 

Upon the fruitful earth ; 
And love, joy, hope, like flowers, 

Spring in his path to birth. 
Before him, on the mountains, 

Shall peace, the herald, go ; 
And righteousness, in fountains, 

From hill to valley flow. 

4 For him shall pray'r unceasing 

And daily vows ascend ; 
His kingdom still increasing, 

A kingdom without end. 
The tide of time shall never 

His covenant remove ; 
His name shall stand for ever ; 

That name to us is — love. 



366 additional hymns. 

Hymn 543. l.m. 

Salvation through Jesus. 

1 f I \0 God, of ev'ry good the spring, 

JL The trihute of your praises bring, 
For grace and truth through Jesus giv'n, 
Mercy and peace and hopes of heav'n. 

2 Grateful the joyous news proclaim, 
Salvation is in Jesus' name. 
Salvation ! shout the glorious sound, 
Proclaim it to the world around. 

3 Tell ev'ry fearful, trembling soul, 

The word of Christ will make him whole, 
Invite the hungry poor to come ; 
At Jesus' feast there still in room. 

4 Jesus ! that name shall calm their fears, 
Dispel their doubts, and dry their tears, 
Give ease to ev'ry throbbing breast, 
And to the sorrowing mourner rest. 

5 Jesus, our Prophet, Saviour, King ! 
For Jesus grateful praise we bring 

To thee from whom his blessings flow'd; 
To thee, our Father and our God. 



H 



Hymn 544. l. m. 

Jesus teaching the People. 

OW sweetly flow'd the gospel's sound 
From lips of gentleness and grace, 
When list'ning thousands gathered round, 
And joy and rev'rence fill'd the place. 

From heav'n he came, of heav'n he spoke, 
To heav'n he led his foll'wers' way: 

Dark clouds of gloomy night he broke, 
Unveiling an immortal day. 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 367 

3 "Come, wand'rers, to my Father's home; 
Come, all ye weary ones, and rest ! " 
Yes, sacred Teacher, we will come, 
Obey thee, love thee, and be blest. 

4 Decay, then, tenements of dust ! 
Pillars of earthly pride, decay ! 
A nobler mansion waits the just, 
And Jesus has prepared the way. 

Hymn 545. c. m. 

Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. 

1 T ORD, should we leave thy hallow' d feet, 

I k To whom could we repair? 
Where else such holy comforts meet, 
As spring perennial there ? 

2 Thou art the way — through thee alone 

From sin and death we flee : 
And he who would the Father seek, 
Must seek him, Lord, by thee. 

3 Thou art the truth — thy word alone 

Sound wisdom can impart : 
Thou only canst inform the mind, 
And purify the heart. 

4 Thou art the life — the rending tomb 

Proclaims thy conqu'ring arm: 
And those who put their trust in thee, 
Nor death nor heil shall harm. 

5 Thou art the way, the truth, the life : 

Grant us that way to know, 
That truth to keep, that life to win, 
Whose joys eternal flow. 

Hymn 546. c. m. 

Excellency of the religion of Jesus, 
1 TS there on earth a nobler name 
JL Than Jesus to be found % 

32 



368 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Who can assert a higher claim, 
Or more with truth abound % 

2 The Son of God, adorned with grace, 

Commission' d from above, 
He bears to our rebellious race 
The messages of love. 

3 Behold his gentle spirit feel 

The sufT rings of mankind; 
And with a word the sorrows heal 
Of body and of mind. 

4 How lofty were the truths he taught ! 

How pure the life he led ! 
And shall another Lord be sought, 
And we disown our Head ? 

5 Asham'd of Jesus, shall we let 

This precious Saviour go? 
And, basely, at defiance set 
Him who hath lov'd us so? 

6 Forbid it, Lord ! nor let us yield 

To this unworthy shame : 
Let each, with holy courage filPd, 
Rejoice in Jesus' name. 

Hymn 547. l. m. 

" See, how He loved." 

1 CJEE how he lov'd ! exclaim'd the Jews, 
^^ When Jesus sympathizing wept : 

My grateful heart the words shall use, 
While on his life mine eye is kept. 

2 See how he lov'd, who travel? d on 

Teaching the doctrine from the skies; 
Who bade disease and pain be gone, 
And called the sleeping dead to rise. 

3 See how he lov'd, who never shrank 

From toil or danger, pain or death ; 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 369 

But all the cup of sorrow drank, 
And meekly yielded up his breath. 

4 And shall such love meet no return % 

Nor wake the passions of the breast? 
Shall not our grateful bosoms burn, 
To prove our love by ev'ry test? 

5 Yes, we will love thee, Saviour, guide, 

For thou hast lov'd us, O how well ! 
More than all earthly friends beside, 
More than our feeble lips can tell ! 

Hymn 548. l. m. 

"Behold the Man!" 

1 TJ EHOLD the man ! how glorious he ! 
Jj Before his foes he stands unaw'd, 
And, without wrong or blasphemy, 

He claims to be the Son of God. 

2 Behold the man ! by all condemn' d, 

Assaulted by a host of foes ; 
His person and his truths contemn' d, 
A man of sufT rings and of woes. 

3 Behold the man ! so weak he seems, 

His awful word inspires no fear : 
But soon must he who now blasphemes, 
Before his judgment-seat appear. 

4 Behold the man ! though scorn' d below, 

He bears the greatest name above ; 
The angels at his footstool bow, 
And all his royal claims approve. 

Hymn 549. c. m. 

Redemption by the Cross of Christ. 

1 T> EHOLD the Saviour on the cross, 
JD A spectacle of wo ! 



370 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

See from his agonizing wounds 
The blood incessant flow ; 

2 Till death's pale ensigns o'er his cheek 

And trembling lips were spread; 
Till light forsook his closing eyes, 
And life his drooping head. 

3 'Tis finish' d — the Messiah dies 

For sins, but not his own ; 
The great redemption is complete, 
And death is overthrown. 

4 'Tis finish' d — all his groans are past; 

His blood, his pain, and toils, 
Have fully vanquished our foes, 
And crown' d him with their spoils. 

5 'Tis finish' d — ritual worship ends, 

And gospel ages run: 
All old things now are pass'd away, 
A new world is begun. 

Hymn 550. p.m. 8,8,&6s. 

1 Corinth, xv. 56, 57. 

1 T TAIL ! to the heav'nly pow'r which broke 
JLjL The strength of sin's tyrannic yoke, 

And freed our captive race : 
Did all the rage of hell confound, 
And gave to death its fatal wound : 

All hail, victorious grace ! 

2 Hail ! to the friend of human kind, 
Who to the cross himself resign' d, 

To succour man distrest ; 
Who could unnumber'd wrongs forgive, 
Who groan' d, the rebel to relieve, 

And died, to make him blest ! 

3 Saviour ! to thee our souls we owe, 
Our peace and sweetest joys below, 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 371 

And brightest hopes above. 
Then let our lives and all that's ours, 
Our souls, and all our active pow'rs, 

Be sacred to thy love T 

O when shall that great day arise, 
When, in full splendour, to our eyes 

Thy glories shall appear ! 
Then, in a far more noble strain, 
We'll praise thee on the blissful plain, 

Through heav'n's eternal year. 



Hymn 551. p. m. 8s&7s. 

Isaiah xliii. 1 — 4. 

1 ~V17"HO is this that comes from Edom, 

▼ t All his raiment stain' d with blood, 
To the captive speaking freedom, 
Bringing and bestowing good? 

2 'Tis the Saviour, now victorious, 

Traveling onward in his might. 
'Tis the Saviour ; O how glorious 
To his people is the sight ! 

3 Why that blood his raiment staining? 

'Tis the blood of many slain: 

Of his foes there's none remaining, 

None the contest to maintain. 

4 Mighty Victor, reign for ever ! 

Wear the crown so dearly won ! 
Never shall thy people, never, 

Cease to sing what thou hast done ! 



/xar 



J 



Hymn 552. l. m. 

Gratitude for Christ's Sufferings. 

ESUS, when faith with fixed eyes 
Beholds. thy wondrous sacrifice, 
32* 



372 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Love rises to an ardent flame, 
And we can glory in thy name. 

2 With cold affections who can see 

The thorns, the scourge, the nails, the tree, 
Thy flowing tears and dewy sweat, 
Thy bleeding hands, and head, and feet ! 

3 Jesus, what millions of our race 
Have been the triumphs of thy grace ! 
And millions more to thee shall fly, 
And on thy covenant rely. 

4 The sorrow, shame, and death were thine : 
But ours the stores of grace divine, 

The hope, the pardon, life and bliss ! 
What love can be compar'd to this? 

Hymn 553. l. m. 

Christ's Passion. 

1 1 1 1 HE morning dawns upon the place, 

J- Where Jesus spent the night in pray'r 
Through yielding glooms behold his face ; 
Nor form nor comeliness is there. 

2 Last eve, by those he call'd his own, 

Betray' d, forsaken, or deny'd, 
He met his enemies alone, 

In all their malice, rage, and pride. 

3 No guile within his mouth is found ; 

He neither threatens nor complains ; 
Meek as a Lamb for slaughter bound, 
Dumb midst his murd'rers he remains. 

4 But, hark ! he prays, — 'tis for his foes; 

He speaks, — 'tis comfort to his friends; 
Answers, and paradise bestows ; 
He bows his head, the conflict ends. 

5 Truly this was the Son of God ! 

— Though in a servant's mean disguise, 



G 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 373 

And bruis'd beneath the Father's rod — 
Not for himself — for man he dies. 

Hymn 554. p. m. 7s. 

Christ's Example in Suffering. 

O to dark Gethsemane, 
Ye that feel temptation's power ; 
Your Redeemer's conflict see ; 

Watch with him one bitter hour. 
Turn not from his griefs away ; 
Learn of Jesus Christ to pray. 

2 See him at the judgment-hall, 

Beaten, bound, revil'd, arraign' d : 
See him meekly bearing all ! 

Love to man his soul sustain' d ! 
Shun not suff'ring, shame, or loss : 
Learn of Christ to bear the cross. 

3 Calv'ry's mournful mountain climb; 

There, admiring at his feet, 
Mark that miracle of time, 

God's own sacrifice complete ! 
"It is finish' d," hear him cry : — 
Learn of Jesus Christ to die. 

4 Early hasten to the tomb, 

Where they laid his breathless clay. 
All is solitude and gloom : 

— Who has taken him away? 
Christ is ris'n ; he meets our eyes, 
Saviour, teach us so to rise. 

Hymn 555. c. m. 

The Example of Jesus followed by his faithful Ser- 
vants. 



G 



IVE me the wings of faith, to rise 
Within the veil, and see 



374 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

The saints above, how great their joys, 
How bright their glories be ! 

2 Once they were mourners here below ; 

Their eyes were dimm'd with tears; 
And hard they strove, as we would now, 
With sins, and doubts, and fears. 

3 And ask we, whence their vict'ry came? 

They with united breath 
Ascribe their conquests to the Lamb, 
Their triumphs to his death. 

4 They marked the footsteps that he trod j 

His zeal inspir'd their breast; 
And foil' wing their victorious Lord. 
Possess' d the promis'd rest. 

5 Our glorious Leader claims our praise 

For his own pattern giv'n ; 
While the long cloud of witnesses 
Show the same path to heav'n. 

Hymn 556. c. m. 

The Example of Jesus followed by the Martyrs. 

1 r ■ 1 HE Son of God goes forth to war, 

JL A kingly crown to gain ; 
His blood-red banner streams afar : 

Who follows in his train? — 
Who best can drink his cup of wo, 

Triumphant over pain ; 
Who patient bears his cross below; 

He follows in his train. 

2 The martyr first, whose eagle eye 

Could pierce beyond the grave; 
Who saw his master in the sky, 

And call'd on him to save. 
Like him, with pardon on his tongue, 

In midst of mortal pain, 






ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 375 

He pray'd for them that did the wrong. 
Who follows in his train % 

3 A glorious band, the chosen few, 

On whom the Spirit came : 
Twelve valiant saints ; their hope they knew, 

And mock'd the cross and flame. 
They met the tyrant's brandish' d steel, 

The lion's gory mane ; 
They bow'd their necks the death to feel. 

Who follows in their train ? 

4 A noble army — men and boys, 

The matron and the maid, 
Around the Saviour's throne rejoice, 

In robes of light array' d. 
They climb' d the steep ascent of heav'n, 

Through peril, toil, and pain. 
O God, to us may grace be giv'n, 

To follow in their train ! 

Hymn 557. l. m. 

Rising with Christ. 

1 "VTE faithful souls, who Jesus know, 

JL If ris'n indeed with him ye are. * / 

Superior to the joys below, t*l 

His resurrection's power declare. / 

2 Your faith by holy tempers prove ; 

By actions show your sins forgiv'n; 
And seek the glorious things above, 

And follow Christ, your head, to heav'n. 

3 To him continually aspire, 

Contending for your native place ; 
And emulate the angel-choir, 
And only live to love and praise. 

4 Your real life, with Christ conceal' d, 

Deep in the Father's bosom lies ; 



376 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

And glorious as your Head reveal' d, 
Ye soon shall meet him in the skies. 

Hymn 558. l. m. 

The last Advent of Christ. 

1 r 1 1 HE Lord will come ! the earth shall quake, 

JL The hills their fixed seat forsake ; 
And, with' ring, from the vault of night 
The stars withdraw their feeble light. 

2 The Lord will come ! but not the same 
As once in lowly form he came, 

A silent lamb to slaughter led, 

The bruis'd, the sufF'ring, and the dead. 

3 The Lord will come ! a dreadful form, 
With wreath of flame, and robe of storm, 
On cherub wings, and wings of wind, 
Anointed Judge of human kind ! 

4 Can this be he, who, wont to stray, 
A pilgrim on the world's highway; 

By pow'r oppress' d, and mock'd by pride? 
Oh, God ! is this the crucify' d % 

5 Go, tyrants ! to the rocks complain ! 
Go, seek the mountain's cleft in vain! 
But faith, victorious o'er the tomb, 
Shall sing for joy — the Lord is come ! 



B 



Hymn 559. c. m. 

The Kingdom of Christ. 

EHOLD ! the mountain of the Lord 
In latter days shall rise, 



Above the mountains and the hills, 
And draw the wond'ring eyes. 

2 To this the joyful nation's round, <■ ' ( l ' . 

All tribes and tongues shall flow; 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 377 

" Up to the hill of God," they say, 
"And to his courts we'll go." 

3 The beams that shine on Zion's hill 

Shall lighten ev'ry land: 
The King who reigns in Zion's tow'rs, 
Shall all the world command. 

4 No longer hosts encount'ring hosts, 

Their millions slain deplore : 
They hang the trumpet in the hall, 
And study war no more. 

5 Come, then — Oh, come from ev'ry land, 

To worship at his shrine ; 
And, walking in the light of God, 
With holy beauties shine. 

Hymn 560. p. m. 

The spread of Chrises Kingdom, to be desired and 
promoted. 

1 1 il ROM Greenland's icy mountains, 
JO From India's coral strand, 
Where Afric's sunny fountains 

Roll down their golden sand ; 
From many an ancient river, 

From many a palmy plain, 
They call us to deliver 

Their land from error's chain. 

2 What though the spicy breezes 

Blow soft o'er Ceylon's isle; 
Though ev'ry prospect pleases, 

And only man is vile : 
In vain with lavish kindness 

The gifts of God are strown : 
The heathen, in his blindness, 

Bows down to wood and stone. 



378 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

3 Shall we, whose souls are lighted 

With wisdom from on high, 
Shall we to men benighted 

The lamp of life deny ? 
Salvation ! O salvation ! 

The joyful sound proclaim, 
Till each remotest nation, 

Has learn' d Messiah's name. 

4 Waft, waft, ye winds, his story, 

And you, ye waters, roll, 
Till, like a sea of glory, 

It spreads from pole to pole ; 
Till o'er our ransom' d nature 

The Lamb for sinners slain, 
Redeemer, King, Creator, 

In bliss returns to reign. 

Hymn 561. l. m. 

1 f\ SPIRIT of the living God! 
v_>r In all thy plenitude of grace, 
Where'er the foot of man hath trod, 

Descend on our benighted race ! 

2 Give tongues of fire and hearts of love, 

To preach the reconciling word ; 
Give pow'r and unction from above, 
Where'er the joyful sound is heard. 

3 Be darkness, at thy coming, light ; 

Confusion, order, in thy path ; 
Souls without strength inspire with might : 
Bid mercy triumph over wrath. 

4 Convert the nations : far and nigh 

The triumphs of the cross record ; 
The name of Jesus glorify, 

Till ev'ry people call him Lord. 



additional hymns. 379 

Hymn 562. l. m. 

Daniel ii. 45. 

1 TTjl XERT thy pow'r, thy rights maintain, 

l^i Insulted, everlasting King ! 
The influence of thy crown increase, 
And strangers to thy footstool bring. 

2 We long to see that happy time, 

That promis'd and expected day, 
When countless myriads of our race 
The second Adam shall obey. 

3 The prophecy must be fulfill' d, 

Though earth and hell should dare oppose; 
The stone cut from the mountain's side, 
Though unobserv'd, to empire grows. 

4 Soon shall the blended image fall, 

Brass, silver, iron, gold, and clay ; 
And superstition's gloomy reign 
To light and liberty give way. 

5 In one swe,et symphony of praise, 

Gentile and Jew shall then unite ; 
And infidelity, asham'd, 

Sink in th' abyss of endless night. 

6 From east to west, from north to south, 

Immanuers kingdom shall extend; 
And ev'ry man, in ev'ry face, 

Shall meet a brother and a friend. 

Hymn 563. p. m. s, s, & 6s. 

Spread of the Gospel in the New Settlements of the 
United States. 



w 



HEN, Lord, to this our western land, 
Led by thy providential hand, 
Our wand' ring fathers came : 

33 



380 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Their ancient homes, their Friends in youth, 
Sent forth the heralds of thy truth, 
To keep them in thy name. 

2 Then, through our solitary coast, 
The desert features soon were lost; 

Thy temples there arose : 
Our shores, as culture made them fair, 
Were hallow' d by thy rites, by pray'r, 

And blossom' d as the rose. 

3 And, O ! may we repay this debt 
To regions solitary yet 

Within our spreading land ! 
There, brethren from our common home 
Still westward, like our fathers, roam; 

Still guided by thy hand. 

4 Father ! we own this debt of love : 

shed thy Spirit from above, 

To move each Christian breast ; 
Till heralds shall thy truth proclaim, 
And temples raise to fix thy name 

Through all our desert west. 

Hymn 564. p. m. 7s. 

Revelation xiv. 2, 3. 

1 TTARK ! the song of Jubilee 
Jl1 Loud as mighty thunders roar, 
Or the fulness of the sea, 

When it breaks upon the shore. 

2 Hallelujah ! for the Lord 

God omnipotent shall reign. 
Hallelujah ! let the word 

Echo round the earth and main. 

3 See Jehovah's banner furl'd, 

Sheath' d his sword : he speaks — 'tis done; 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 381 

And the kingdoms of this world 
Are the kingdoms of his Son. 

4 He shall reign from pole to pole 

With illimitable sway : 
He shall reign, when like a scroll 
Yonder heav'ns have pass'd away. 

5 Then the end : — beneath his rod 

Man's last enemy shall fall. 
Hallelujah ! Christ in God, 
God in Christ, is all in all. 

Hymn 565. p. m. 8s & 7s. 

The Church, the City of God. 
Psalm lxxvii. 3. Isaiah xxxiii. 20, 21. 

1 /GLORIOUS things of thee are spoken, 
vT Zion, city of our God ! 

He whose word cannot be broken, 
Form'd thee for his own abode. 

2 On the rock of ages founded, 

What can shake thy sure repose? 
With salvation's walls surrounded, 
Thou may' st smile at all thy foes. 

3 See, the streams of living waters, 

Springing from eternal love, 
Well supply thy sons and daughters, 
And all fear of want remove. 

4 Who can faint, while such a river 

Ever flows thy thirst t' assuage ? 
Grace, which, like the Lord, the giver, 
Never fails from age to age. 

Hymn 566. c. m. 

For Whitsunday. 
1 SPIRIT of truth, on this thy day 
1^3 To thee for help we cry, 



'I 



382 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Jj^ To guide us through the dreary way 
Of dark mortality ! 

2 We ask not, Lord, the cloven flame, 

Or tongues of various tone : 
But long thy praises to proclaim 
With fervour in our own. 

3 We mourn not, that prophetic skill 

Is found on earth no more : 
Enough for us, to trace thy will 
In scripture's sacred lore. 

4 No heav'nly harpings soothe our ear, 

No mystic dreams we share : 

Yet hope to feel thy comfort near, 

And bless thee in our pray'r. 

5 When tongues shall cease, and pow'r decay, 

And knowledge empty prove, 
Do thou thy trembling servants stay 
With faith, and hope, and love. 

Hymn 567. s. m. 

The Divine Spirit, the Teacher, Supporter, and 
Comforter. 

1 FXIHE Saviour, ere he breath'd 

JL His tender, last farewell, 
A Guide, a Comforter, bequeath' d, 
With us on earth to dwell. 

2 He came in tongues of flame, 

To teach, convince, subdue : 
All pow'rful as the wind he came, 
To sense as viewless too. 

3 His is the voice we hear, 

Soft as the breath of ev'n, 
That checks each fault, that calms each fear, 
And speaks to us of heav'n. 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 383 

4 Each virtue we possess, 

Each vict'ry we have won, 
And ev'ry thought of holiness, 
Are his, and his alone. 

5 Spirit of might and grace, . 

Our weakness pitying see : 
O make our hearts thy dwelling-place, 
A temple worthier thee. 

Hymn 568, l. m. 

Teachings of the Spirit. 

1 f~*i OME, blessed Spirit, source of light, 
\^J Whose pow'r and grace are unconfin'd, 
Dispel the gloomy shades of night, 

The thicker darkness of the mind. 

2 To mine illumin'd eyes display 

The glorious truth thy word reveals ; 
Cause me to run thy heav'nly way ; 
The book unfold, unloose the seals. 

3 Thine inward teachings make me know, 

The myst'ries of redeeming love, 
The emptiness of things below, 
The excellence of things above. 

4 While through this dubious maze I stray, 

Spread, like the sun, thy beams abroad. 
To show the dangers of the way. 
And guide my feeble steps to God. 

Hymn 569. p. m. ss & 7s. 

Comforts of the Holy Spirit. 

1 TTOLY Ghost ! dispel our sadness, 
JL JL Pierce the clouds of nature's night: 
Come, thou source of joy and gladness, 
Breathe thy life and spread thy light. 
33* 



384 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

2 Come, thou best of all donations 

God can give, or man implore ! 
Having thy sweet consolations, 
We need wish for nothing more. 

3 Author of the new creation ! 

Come with unction and with pow'r; 
Make our hearts thy habitation ; 
On our souls thy graces show'r. 

4 Manifest thy love for ever ; 

Fence us in on ev'ry side; 
In distress be our reliever ; 

Guard and teach, support and guide. 

5 Hear, oh, hear our supplication, 

Blessed Spirit ! God of peace ! 
Rest upon this congregation 
With the fulness of thy grace. 

Hymn 570. s. m. 

Maris Dependence on Divine Succours. 

1 rjlO keep the lamp alive, 

JL With oil we fill the bowl : 
'Tis water makes the willow thrive, 
And grace that feeds the soul. 

2 The Lord's unsparing hand 

Supplies the living stream : 
It is not at our own command, 
But still deriv'd from him. 

3 Man's wisdom is to seek 

His strength in God alone ; 
And e'en an angel would be weak, 
Who trusted in his own. 

4 Retreat beneath his wings, 

And in his grace confide : 
This more exalts the King of kings, 
Than all your works beside. 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 385 

5 In God is all our store ; 

Grace issues from his throne. 
Whoever says, " I want no more," 
Confesses he has none. 

Hymn 571. s. m. 

Philippians ii. 12, 13. 

1 TTEIRS of unending life, 
JLjL While yet we sojourn nere, 
O let us our salvation work 

With trembling and with fear ! 

2 God will support our souls 

With might before unknown. 
The work to be perform' d is ours; 
The strength is all his own. 

3 'Tis he that works to will, 

'Tis he that works to do : 
His is the pow'r by which we act; 
His be the glory too ! 

Hymn 572. p. m. 7s. 

The Fruitfulness and Happiness of the Godly 
spring from God. Psalm i. 3. 

1 II LESSED state, and happy he, 
JLJ Who is like that planted tree ! 
Living waters lave his root ; 
Bends his bough with golden fruit. 

2 Thine, O Lord ! the pow'r and praise, 
Which a sight like this displays. 
Pow'r of thine must plant it there : 
Praise of thee it should declare. 

3 Thou must first prepare the ground, 
Sow the seed, and fence it round. 



386 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Streams that water, suns that shine, 
Each and all are ever thine. 

4 When the seedling from its bed 
First lifts up its timid head, 
Ministry of thine must give 
All on which its life can live. 

5 Show'rs from thee must bid it thrive; 
Breath of thine must oft revive ; 
Light from thee its bloom supplies; 
Left by thee, it fades and dies. 

6 Whose, then, when a tree up-grown, 
Should its fruit be, but thine own % 
And thy glorious heritage 

Is its fadeless leaf in age. 

Hymn 573. l. m. 

The Scriptures our Light and Guide. 

1 XS7"HEN Israel through the desert pass'd, 

▼ f A fiery pillar went before, 
To guide them through the dreary waste, 
And lessen the fatigues they bore. 

2 Such is thy glorious word, O God ! 

'Tis for our light and guidance giv'n: 
It sheds a lustre all abroad, 

And points the path to bliss and heav'n. 

3 It fills the soul with sweet delight, 

And quickens its inactive pow'rs : 
It sets our wand' ring footsteps right ; 
Displays thy love, and kindles ours. 

4 Its promises rejoice our hearts ; 

Its doctrines are divinely true : 

Knowledge and pleasure it imparts ; 

It comforts and instructs us too. 

5 Ye favour' d lands, who have this word ! 

Ye saints, who feel its saving pow'r! 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 387 

Unite your tongues to praise the Lord, 
And his distinguish' d grace adore. 

Hymn 574. c. m. 

Instruction from Scripture, 

1 TTOW shall the young secure their hearts 
JLX And guard their lives from sin ? 

Thy word the choicest rules imparts, 
To keep the conscience clean. 

2 When once it enters to the mind, 

It spreads such light abroad, 
The meanest souls instruction find, 
And raise their thoughts to God. 

3 The starry heav'ns thy rule obey, 

The earth maintains her place ; 
And these thy servants, night and day, 
Thy skill and power express. 

4 But still thy law and gospel, Lord, 

Have lessons more divine : 
Not earth stands firmer than thy word, 
Nor stars so nobly shine. 

5 Thy word is everlasting truth ; 

How pure is ev'ry page ! 
That holy book shall guide our youth, 
And well support our age. 

Hymn 575. c. m. 

The Seed of the Word. 

1 T ORD of the harvest, God of grace ! 
I 1 Send down thy heav'nly rain : 
In vain we plant without thine aid, 
And water too in vain. 

I 2 May no vain thoughts, those birds of prey, 
Defraud us of our gain ; 



388 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Nor anxious cares, those baleful thorns, 
Choke up the precious grain. 

3 Ne'er may our hearts be like the rock, 

Where but the blade can spring ; 
Which, scorched with heat, becomes by noon, 
A dead, a useless thing. 

4 Let not the joys thy gospel gives, 

A transient rapture prove ; 
Nor may the world by smiles and frowns 
Our faith and hope remove. 

5 But may our hearts, like fertile soil, 

Receive this heav'nly word: 
So shall our fair and ripen' d fruits 
Their hundred fold afford. 

Hymn 576. c. m. 

God our Portion here and hereafter. 
HOM have we, Lord, in heav'n but thee, 



w 



And whom on earth beside ? 
Where else for succour can we flee, 
Or in whose strength confide ? 

2 Thou art our portion here below, 

Our promis'd bliss above: 
Ne'er may our souls an object know 
So precious as thy love. 

3 When heart and flesh, O Lord, shall fail, 

Thou wilt our spirits cheer, 
Support us through life's thorny vale, 
And calm each anxious fear. 

4 Yes, thou shalt be our guide through life, 

And help and strength supply ; 
Sustain us in death's fearful strife, 
And welcome us on high. 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 389 

Hymn 577. s. m. 

God, the All-sufficient Good. 

1 XT ERE, in a world of doubt, 
XJ. A sorrowful abode, 

O how my heart and flesh cry out 
For thee, the living God ! 

2 As for the water-brooks 

The hart expiring pants : 
So for my God my spirit looks ; 
Yea, for his presence faints. 

3 I know thy joys, O earth ; 

I've tasted of thy cup, 
And mingled in thy scenes of mirth, 
And leaned upon thy hope. 

4 But, ah ! how sighs and fears 

Those transient joys succeed ! 
That cup of mirth is mixed with tears, 
That hope is but a reed. 

5 What have I then below, 

Or what but thee above % 
Great God ! O let thy creature know 
The fulness of thy love ! 

Hymn 578. c. m. 

Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom. 

1 \ LMIGHTY God, in humble pray'r 
.jljL To thee our souls we lift : 

Do thou our waiting minds prepare 
For thy most needful gift. 

2 We ask not golden streams of wealth 

Along our path to flow ; 
We ask not undecaying health, 
Nor length of years below. 



390 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

3 We ask not honours, which an hour 

May bring and take away ; 
We ask not pleasure, pomp, and pow'r, 
Lest we should go astray. 

4 We ask for wisdom : — Lord, impart 

The knowledge how to live : 
A wise and understanding heart 
To all before thee give. 

5 The young remember thee in youth, 

Before the evil day ! 
The old be guided by thy truth 
In wisdom's pleasant way! 

Hymn 579. p. m. t s . 

True Happiness only in God. 

1 TTAPPINESS! thou lovely name, 
JLJL Where's thy seat? O tell me where? 
Learning, pleasure, wealth, and fame, 

All cry out, " It is not here." 

2 Lord, it is not life to live, 

If thy presence thou deny. 

Lord, if thou thy presence give, 

'Tis no longer death to die. 

3 Source and giver of repose, 

Mine it is, if thou art mine. 
Singly from thy smile it flows ; 
Peace and happiness are thine. 

4 Whilst I feel thy love to me, 

Ev 7 ry object yields me joy. 

Here O may I walk with thee, 

Then into thy presence die. 

5 Let me but thyself possess, 

Real bliss I then shall prove — 
Total sum of happiness, 

Heav 7 n below and heav'n above ! 






ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 391 

Hymn 580. p. m. 8s. 

The Christian Israel. 

THUS far on life's perplexing path, 
Thus far thou, Lord, our steps hast led, 
Snatched from the world's pursuing wrath, 

Unharm'd, though floods hung o'er our head: 
Like ransom' d Israel on the shore, 
Here then we pause, look back, adore. 

Strangers and pilgrims here below, 

Like all our Fathers in their day, 
We to the land of promise go, 

Lord, by thine own appointed way. 
Still guide, illumine, cheer our flight. 
In cloud by day, in fire by night. 

Protect us, through the wilderness, 

From ev'ry peril, plague and foe: 
With bread from heav'n thy people bless, 

And living streams, where'er we go : 
Nor let our rebel hearts repine, 
Or follow any voice but thine. 

Thy holy law to us proclaim, 

But not from Sinai's top alone : 
Hid in the rock-cleft, be thy name 

And all thy goodness to us shown : 
And may we never bow the knee 
Or worship any God but thee. 

When we have number' d all our years, 
And stand at length on Jordan's brink, 

Though the flesh fail with mortal fears, 
O let not then the spirit sink : 

But strong in faith, and hope, and love, 

Plunge through the stream, to rise above. 



n 



392 additional hymns. 

Hymn 581. p.m. 8,7,&4s. 

Prayer for Direction and Support. 

1 /^1 UIDE me, O thou great Jehovah ! 
VJT Pilgrim through this barren land : 
I am weak, but thou art mighty, 

Hold me with thy pow'rful hand. 
Bread of heaven, 

Feed me till I want no more ! 

2 Open thou the crystal fountain, 

Whence the healing streams do flow : 
Let the fiery, cloudy pillar 

Lead me all my journey through. 
Strong Deliv'rer, 

Be thou still my strength and shield ! 

3 When I tread the verge of Jordan, 

Bid my anxious fears subside : 
Death of death and hell's destruction, 

Land me safe on Canaan's side. 
Songs of praises 

I will ever give to thee. 

Hymn 582. p. m. s*. 

Prayer for Gods Love. 

1 S\ DRAW me, Father ! after thee, 
V>r So shall I run and never tire. 
With gracious words still comfort me ; 

Be thou my hope, my sole desire. 
Free me from ev'ry weight: nor fear 
Nor sin can come, if thou art here. 

2 From all eternity, with love 

Unchangeable thou hast me view'd. 
Ere knew this beating heart to move, 

Thy tender mercies me pursud. 
Ever with me may they abide, 
And close me in on ev'ry side. 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 393 

3 In sufTring, be thy love my peace; 

In weakness, be thy love my pow'r : 
And when the storms of life shall cease, 

My God ! in that important hour, 
In death as life be thou my guide, 
And bear me through death's whelming tide. 

Hymn 583. c. m. 

Lord, remember me. 

1 /~\ THOU, from whom all goodness flows, 
V>J I raise my soul to thee : 

In all my sorrows, conflicts, woes, 
Good Lord, remember me ! 

2 When on my aching burden' d heart 

My sins lie heavily ; 
Thy pardon grant, new peace impart: 
Good Lord, remember me ! 

3 When trials sore obstruct my way, 

And ills I cannot flee ; 
O let my strength be as my day : 
Good Lord, remember me ! 

4 When worn with pain, disease, and grie£ 

This feeble frame shall be; 
Grant patience, rest, and kind relief: 
Good Lord, remember me ! 

5 When in the solemn hour of death 

I wait thy just decree : 
Be this the pray'r of my last breath, 
Good Lord, remember me ! 

6 And when before thy throne I stand 

And lift my soul to thee : 
Then, with the saints at thy right hand, 
Good Lord, remember me ! 



394 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 



'O 



Hymn 584. c. m. 

Prayer for Divine Help. 

H, help us, Lord, each hour of need, 
Thy heav'nly succour give : 
Help us, in thought, and word, and deed, 
Each hour on earth to live. 

2 Oh, help as, when our spirits bleed, 

With contrite anguish sore; 
And when our hearts are cold and dead, 
Oh, help us, Lord, the more ! 

3 Oh, help us, through the pray'r of faith 

More firmly to believe ! 
For still the more the servant hath, 
The more shall he receive. 

4 Oh, help us, Father, from on high ! 

We know no help but thee : 
Oh, help us so to live and die, 
As thine in heav'n to be ! 

Hymn 585, c. m. 

Preservation from the power of Sin implored. 

1 TjlROM ev'ry thought and wish impure, 
J? Great God ! preserve my soul • 
May ev'ry rebel passion bow 

To thy divine control ! 

2 Sin has a thousand treach'rous arts, 

To lead the soul aside : 
O teach me all its arts to shun, 
And be my constant guide ! 

3 Ne'er let me venture to begin t 

The gay, enchanted round, 
Where, in a thoughtless, guilty maze, 
The slaves of sin are found. 






ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 395 

4 O grant me thine assisting grace, 

Where'er I'm call'd to go ! 
Upheld by thee, my cautious feet 
The paths of peace shall know. 

5 Through all the dang'rous scenes of life, 

Deign, Lord ! my way to trace ; 
And after death, may I behold 
With joy, thy holy face ! 

Hymn 586. c. m. 

1 \ LAS, what hourly dangers rise ! 
-lJl What snares beset my way ! 
To heav'n, O let me lift mine eyes, 

And hourly watch and pray. 

2 O gracious God, in whom I live ! 

My feeble efforts aid : 
Help me to look to thee and strive, 
Though trembling and afraid. 

3 Increase my faith, increase my hope, 

Lest foes and fears prevail : 
And bear my fainting spirit up, 
Or soon my strength will fail. 

4 Whene'er temptations fright my heart, 

Or lure my feet aside : 
My God, thy pow'rful aid impart, 
My guardian and my guide ! 

5 O keep me in the heav'nly way, 

And bid the tempter flee ; 

And let me never, never stray 

From happiness and thee. 

Hymn 587. c. m. 

Human Frailty. 

EAK and irresolute is man : 



w 



The purpose of to-day, 

34 *• 



396 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Woven with pains into his plan, 
To-morrow rends away, 

2 Some foe to his upright intent 

Finds out his weaker part : 
Virtue engages his assent, 
But pleasure wins his heart. 

3 Bound on a voyage of awful length, 

Through dangers little known — 
A stranger to superior strength, 
Man vainly trusts his own. 

4 But oars alone can ne'er prevail 

To reach the distant coast : 
The breath of heav'n must swell the sail, 
Or all the toil is lost. 

Hymn 588. s. m. 

Trust of the Wicked and Righteous compared. 

1 A S parch' d in barren sands, 
JlJL Beneath a burning sky, 

The worthless bramble with' ring stands, 
And only grows to die : 

2 Such is the sinner's case, 

• Who makes the world his trust, 
And dares his confidence to place 
In vanity and dust. 

3 A curse destroys his root, 

And dries his moisture up : 
He lives awhile, and bears no fruit, 
Then dies without a hope. 

4 Blest he, whose hopes depend 

Upon the Lord alone ! 
The soul that trusts in such a friend, 
Can ne'er be overthrown. 

5 So thrives the tree whose roots 

By constant streams are fed : 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 397 

Array' d in green, and rich in fruits, 
It rears its branching head. 

Hymn 589. p. m. 7s. 

Prepare to meet thy God. 

1 CI INNER, art thou still secure ? 
I>3 Wilt thou still refuse to pray? 
Can thy heart or hands endure 

In the Lord's avenging day? 

2 See, his mighty arm is bar'd ! 

Awful terrors clothe his brow ! 
For his judgment stand prepar'd : 
Thou must either break or bow. 

3 Who his advent may abide ? 

You that glory in your shame, 
Will you find a place to hide, 

When the world is wrapp'd in flame? 

4 Lord, prepare us by thy grace ! 

Soon we must resign our breath, 
And our souls be call'd to pass 
Through the iron gate of death. 

5 O may we our day improve, 

Listen to the gospel voice, 
Seek the things that are above, 
Scorn the world's pretended joys ! 

Hymn 590. c. m. 

God's Goodness and Long- Suffering should lead to 
Repentance. 

1 TTN GRATEFUL, mortal, whence this scorn 

U Of God's long-suff'ring grace ? 
And whence this madness that insults 
Th' Almighty to his face? 

2 Is it because his patience waits 

And tender mercies move, 



398 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Thou multiply' st transgressions more, 
And scorn' st his offer' d love? 

3 Dost thou not know, self-blinded man, 

His goodness is design' d 
To wake repentance in thy soul, 
And melt thy harden' d mind? 

4 And wilt thou rather choose to meet 

Th' Almighty as thy foe, 
And treasure up his wrath in store 
Against the day of wo ? 

5 Soon shall that dreadful day approach, 

That must thy sentence seal, 
And righteous judgments, now unknown, 
In solemn pomp reveal : 

6 While they, who, full of holy deeds, 

To glory seek to rise, 
Continuing patient to the end, 
Shall gain th' immortal prize. 

Hymn 591. p. m. 7s. 

To-day, the Season of Mercy. 

1 TJ ASTEN, sinner, to be wise ; 
11 Stay not for the morrow's sun: 
Wisdom if you still despise, 

Harder is it to be won. 

2 Hasten, mercy to implore ; 

Stay not for the morrow's sun : 
Lest thy season should be o'er, 
Ere this ev'ning's stage be run. 

3 Hasten, sinner, to return; 

Stay not for the morrow's sun : 
Lest thy lamp should cease to burn, 
Ere salvation's work is done. 

4 Hasten, sinner, to be blest ; 

Stay not for the morrow's sun : 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 399 

Lest perdition thee arrest, 
Ere the morrow is begun. 

Hymn 592. s. m. 

Gospel invitations to Repentance. 

1 r ■ 1 HE Spirit, in our hearts, 

J.. Is whisp'ring, "Sinner, come :" 
The bride, the church of Christ, proclaims 
To all around her, " Come V 

2 Let him that heareth, say- 

To all about him, " Come !" 
Let him that thirsts for righteousness, 
To Christ, the fountain, come ! 

3 Yes, whosoever will, 

O let him freely come, 
And freely drink the stream of life : 
'Tis Jesus bids him come. 

4 Lo ! Jesus, who invites, 

Declares, " I quickly come ;" 
Lord, even so ! I wait thine hour ; 
Jesus, my Saviour, come ! 



B 



Hymn 593. p. m. 

The Gospel Jubilee. 

LOW ye the trumpet, blow 
The gladly solemn sound ! 
Let all the nations know, 

To earth's remotest bound. 
The year of jubilee is come ; 
Return, ye ransom' d sinners, home. 

Ye slaves of sin and hell, 

Your liberty receive ; 
And safe in Jesus dwell, 

And blest in Jesus live. 
34* 



400 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

The year of jubilee is come ; 
Return, ye ransom' d sinners, home. 

3 The gospel-trumpet hear, 

The news of pard'ning grace ; 

Ye contrite souls, draw near, 
Behold your Saviour's face. 

The year of jubilee is come ; 

Return, ye ransom' d sinners, home. 

Hymn 594. s. m. 

Efficacy of Repentance. 

1 " fTlOGETHER let us plead, 

JL O sinner," saith the Lord: 
11 Give to the voice of wisdom, heed, 
And trust my faithful w 7 ord. 

2 " Like scarlet though they glow, 

Or like the crimson bright, 
Your sins shall soon be pure as snow, 
As fleecy vestures white." 

3 By penitence and pray'r, 

The wondrous change is wrought ; 
They soothe the pangs of dark despair, 
And heal the wounded thought. 

4 Bath'd in the hallow' d dews 

Of deep compunction's tears, 
The soul her health and strength renews, 
And meet for heav'n appears. 

5 There all the joyful host, 

With acclamations high 
From death her glad recov'ry boast, 
And welcome to the sky. 



R 



additional hymns. 401 

Hymn 595. l. m. 

The Soul returning to God. 
ETURN, my soul, unto thy rest, 



From vain pursuits and madd'ning cares; 
From lonely woes that wring thy breast, 
The world's allurements, toils, and snares. 

2 Return unto thy rest, my soul, 

From all the wand' rings of thy thought; 
From sickness unto death made whole ; 
Safe through a thousand perils brought. 

3 Then to thy rest, my soul, return, 

From passions ev'ry hour at strife. 
Sin's works, and ways, and wages spurn; 
Lay hold upon eternal life. 

4 God is thy rest : with heart inclin'd 

To keep his word, that word believe. 
Christ is thy rest : with lowly mind 
His light, and easy yoke receive. 

Hymn 596. c. m. 

Preparation of the Heart implored. 

1 T* ORD, teach us how to pray aright, 

I i With rev'rence and with fear : 
Though dust and ashes in thy sight, 
We may, we must draw near. 

2 Burden' d with guilt, convinc'd of sin, 

In weakness, want, and wo, 
Fightings without, and fears within, — 
Lord, whither shall we go? 

3 God of all grace, we come to thee 

With broken, contrite hearts : 
Give, what thine eye delights to see, 
Truth in the inward parts. 



402 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

4 Give deep humility — the sense 

Of godly sorrow, give : — 
A strong desire, with confidence 
To hear thy voice and live : — 

5 Patience to watch, and wait, and weep, 

Though mercy long delay : — 
Courage, our fainting souls to keep, 
And trust thee, though thou slay. 

6 Give these — and then thy will be done. 

Thus strengthen' d with all might, 
We, by thy Spirit and thy Son, 
Shall pray, and pray aright. 

Hymn 597. p. m. 7s. 

Choosing the Heritage of God's People. 

1 X>EOPLE of the living God! 

Jl I have sought the world around, 
Paths of sin and sorrow trod, 

Peace and comfort nowhere found. 
Now to you my spirit turns, 

Turns, a fugitive unblest. 
Brethren ! where your altar burns, 

Oh, receive me into rest. 

2 Lonely I no longer roam, 

Like the cloud, the wind, the wave. 
Where you dwell, shall be my home : 

Where you die, shall be my grave. 
Mine the God whom you adore : 

Your Redeemer shall be mine : 
Earth can fill my soul no more ; 

Ev'ry idol I resign. 

Hymn 598. c. m. 

Jeremiah iii. 22. Hosea xiv. 4. 
1 TTOW oft, alas ! this wretched heart 
11 Has wander' d from the Lord ! 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 403 

How oft my roving thoughts depart, 
Forgetful of his word ! 

2 Yet heav'nly mercy calls, " Return :" 

Great God, and may I come? 
My vile ingratitude I mourn : 
Oh, take the wand'rer home ! 

3 And canst thou, wilt thou yet forgive, 

And bid my crimes remove? 
And shall a pardon' d rebel live, 
To speak thy wondrous love ? 

4 Almighty grace, thy healing pow'r 

How glorious, how divine ! 
That can to life and bliss restore 
So base a heart as mine. 

5 Thy pard'ning love, so free, so sweet, 

My Father, I adore. 
Oh, keep me at thy sacred feet, 
And let me rove no more. 



F 



Hymn 599.. p. m.ss. 

Seeking Refuge. 
ORTH from the dark and stormy sky, 



Lord, to thine altar's shade we fly : 
Forth from the world, its hope and fear, 
Father, we seek thy shelter here : 
Weary and weak, thy grace we pray; 
Turn not, O Lord, thy guests away ! 

Long have we roam'd in want and pain; 
Long have we sought for rest in vain ; 
' Wilder' d in doubt, in darkness lost, 
Long have our souls been tempest- tossed : 
Low at thy feet our sins we lay ; 
Turn not, O Lord, thy guests away. 



404 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 



s 



Hymn 600. l. m. 

Forgiveness and Peace of Conscience. 
WEET peace of conscience, heav'nly guest! 



Come, fix thy mansion in my breast. 
Dispel my doubts, my fears control, 
And heal the anguish of my soul. 

2 Come, smiling hope and joy sincere, 
Come, make your constant dwelling here : 
Still let your presence cheer my heart, 
Nor sin compel you to depart. 

3 Thou God of hope and peace divine, 
O make these sacred pleasures mine ! 
Forgive my guilt, my fears remove, 
And send the tokens of thy love. 

4 Then shall mine eyes, without a tear 
See death, with all its terrors near ; 
My soul in thee, my God, rejoice, 
And raptures tune my fait' ring voice. 

Hymn 601. p. m. &. 

Imploring Forgiveness and Newness of Life. 

1 T^IORGIVE, Lord, for thy mercy's sake, 
JO Our multitude of sins forgive ! 

Us for thine own possession take, 

And help us to thy glory live — 
Live in thy sight, and gladly prove 
Our faith by our obedient love. 

2 To ev'ry soul forgiveness seal, 

And all thy mighty wonders show ! 
Our hidden enemies expel, 

And conq'ring them to conquer go, 
Till all of pride and wrath be slain, 
And not one evil thought remain ! 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 405 

O put thou in our inward parts 

The living law of perfect love ! 
Write the new precept on our hearts ! 

We shall not then from thee remove, 
But in thy glorious image shine, 
Thy people, and for ever thine ! 

Hymn 602. s. m. 

Waiting for God's Mercy. 
Y soul with patience waits 



'M 



For thee, the living Lord : 
My hopes are on thy promise built, 
Thy never-failing word. 

2 My longing eyes look out 

For thine enliv'ning ray, 
More duly than the morning watch 
To spy the dawning day. 

3 In thee I trust, my God ! 

No bounds thy mercy knows — 
The plenteous source and spring, from which 
Eternal succour flows. 

4 Thy friendly streams to us 

Supplies in want convey : 
A healing spring, a spring to cleanse 
And wash our guilt away. 

Hymn 603. p. m. s s & 7s. 

Gratitude for Recovery from Sin. 
ORD, with glowing heart I'd praise thee 



L 



For the bliss thy love bestows, 
For the pard'ning grace that saves me, 

And the peace that from it flows. 
Help, O God, my weak endeavour; 

This dull soul to rapture raise : 



406 ADDITIONAL HYMNS, 

Thou must light the flame, or never 
, Can my love be warm'd to praise. 

2 Praise, my soul, the God that sought thee, 

Wretched wand'rer, far astray; 
Found thee lost, and kindly brought thee 

From the paths of death away. 
Praise, with love's devoutest feeling, 

Him who saw thy guilt-born fear, 
And, the light of hope revealing, 

Bade the blood-stain' d cross appear. 

3 Lord, this bosom's ardent feeling 

Vainly would my lips express : 
Low before thy footstool kneeling, 

Deign thy suppliant's pray' r to bless. 
Let thy grace, my soul's chief treasure, 

Love's pure flame within me raise : 
And, since words can never measure, 

Let my life show forth thy praise. 

Hymn 604. l. m. 

1 TTl AR from thy fold, O God, my feet 
J? Once mov'd in error's devious maze; 
Nor found religious duties sweet, 

Nor sought thy face, nor lov'd thy ways. 

2 With tend' rest voice thou bad'st me flee 

The paths which thou couldst ne'er approve. 
My soul was gently drawn to thee 
With cords of sweet, eternal love. 

3 Now to thy footstool, Lord, I fly, 

And low in self-abasement fall : 
A poor, a helpless worm, I lie ; 
And thou, my God, art all in all. 

4 Dearer, far dearer to my heart 

Than all the joys that earth can give 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 407 

From fame, from wealth, from friends I'd part, 
Beneath thy countenance to live. 

5 And when, in smiling friendship dress'd, 

Death bids me quit this mortal frame, 
Gently reclin'd upon thy breast, 

My latest breath shall bless thy name. 

6 Then mine unfetter' d soul shall rise 

And soar above yon starry spheres, 
Join the full chorus of the skies, 

And sing thy praise through endless years. 

Hymn 605. c. m. 

The Highway to Zion. Isaiah xxxv. 8, 9, 10. 
ING, ye redeemed of the Lord, 



■s 



Your great Deliv'rer sing; 
Pilgrims, for Zion's city bound, 
Be joyful in your King. 

2 See the fair way his hand hath rais'd, 

How holy and how plain ! 
Nor shall the simplest trav'ller err, 
Nor ask the track in vain. 

3 No rav'ning lion shall destroy, 

Nor lurking serpent wound ; 
Pleasure and safety, peace and praise, 
Through all the path are found. 

4 A hand divine shall lead you on 

Along the blissful road, 
Till to the sacred mount you rise, 
And see your Father, God. 

5 There garlands of immortal joy 

Shall bloom on ev'ry head, 
While sorrow, sighing, and distress, 
Like shadows all are fled. 
35 



/ 



408 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

6 March on in your Redeemer's strength, 
Pursue his footsteps still; 
And let the prospect cheer your eye, 
While lab' ring up the hill. 

Hymn 606. c. m. 

God speaking Peace to his People. 

1 ' TNITE, my roving thoughts, unite 

\J In silence soft and sweet : 
And thou, my soul, sit gently down 
At thy great So v' reign's feet. 

2 Jehovah's awful voice is heard, 

Yet gladly I attend : 
For, lo ! the everlasting God 
Proclaims himself my friend. 

3 Harmonious accents to my soul 

The sound of peace convey ; 
The tempest at his word subsides, 
And winds and seas obey. 

Hymn 607. c. m. 

The Reward of the Righteous. Psalm xxxvii. 
Y God, the steps of pious men 



'M 



Are ordered by thy will ; 
Though they should fall, they rise again ; 
Thy hand supports them still. 

2 The Lord delights to see their ways ; 

Their virtue he approves; 
He'll ne'er deprive them of his grace, 
Nor leave the men he loves. 

3 The heav'nly heritage is theirs, 

Their portion and their home ; 
He feeds them now, and makes them heirs 
Of blessings long to come. 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 409 

4 Mark well the man of righteousness ! 

His sev'ral steps attend : 
True pleasure runs through all his ways, 
And peaceful is his end. 

5 By all its joys, I charge my heart 

To grieve his love no more; 
But, charm' d by melody divine, 
To give its follies o'er. 

Hymn 608. c. m. 

Encouragement from the Experience of GooVs 
Goodness to Ms Servants. 

1 rjl HROUGH all the changing scenes of life, 

JL In trouble and in joy, 
The praises of my God shall still 
My heart and tongue employ. 

2 Of his deliv' ranee I will boast, 

Till all who are distress' d 
From my example comfort take, 
And charm their griefs to rest, 

3 The hosts of God encamp around 

The dwellings of the just ; 
Protection he affords to all 
Who on his succour trust. 

4 O make but trial of his love : 

Experience will decide, 
How bless' d are they, and only they, 
Who in his truth confide, 

5 Fear him, ye saints; and you will then 

Have nothing else to fear : 
Make you his service your delight — 
He'll make your wants his care. 



410 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Hymn 609. p. m. s, 7, & &. 

Adoption. 1 John iii. 1, 2, 3. 

1 ET others boast their ancient line, 
J-J In long succession great : 

In the proud list let heroes shine, 
And monarchs swell the state : 
Descended from the King of kings, 
Each saint a nobler title sings. 

2 Pronounce me, gracious God, thy son; 

Own me an heir divine : 
I'll pity princes on the throne, 

When I can call thee mine. 
Sceptres and crowns unenvy'd rise, 
And lose their lustre in mine eyes. 

3 Content, obscure, I pass my days, 

To all I meet unknown ; 
And wait till thou thy child shalt raise, 

And seat me near thy throne. 
No name, no honour here I crave, 
Well-pleas' d with those beyond the grave. 

i Jesus, my elder brother, lives ; 

With him I too shall reign : 
No hostile pow'r, while he survives, 

Shall make the promise vain. 
In him my title stands secure, 
And shall, while endless years endure. 

3 When he, in robes divinely bright, 

Shall once again appear, 
Thou too, my soul, shalt shine in light, 

And his full image bear. 
Enough ! I wait th J appointed day : 
Blest Saviour ! haste and come away. 



E 



additional hymns. 411 

Hymn 610. l. m. 

Blessedness of Communion with God. 
NOUGH of life's vain scene I've trod 



Sweet is the interval of rest : 



With cheerful heart I meet my God ; 
His presence makes me truly blest. 

2 Father and Friend ! relations dear, 

Rejoicing to the human soul; — 
They lift us above ev'ry fear, 
And ills (if ills there be) control. 

3 Pleasant is life, and sweet the light 

That pours from the bright orb of day, 
Revealing to our raptur'd sight 
The world in all its rich display. 

4 Pleasant is life, and sweet its ties, 

The touching charities of man : 
Friend, fellow, child, and parent rise, 
Endearing life's progressive plan. 

5 But life and light would soon be vile, 

And all their dearest pleasures fall, 
Nor sun would shine, nor life would smile, 
Without thy presence gladd'ning all. 



T 



Hymn 611. l. m. 

Influence of Religion. 
HROUGH shades and solitudes profound 



The fainting trav'ller wends his way 
Be wild' ring meteors glare around, 
And tempt his wand' ring feet astray. 

Welcome, thrice welcome to his eye 
The sudden moon's inspiring light, 

When forth she sallies through the sky, 
The guardian angel of the night. 



412 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

3 Thus, mortals blind and weak, below, 

Pursue the phantom bliss in vain : 
The world's a wilderness of wo, 
And life's a pilgrimage of pain; — 

4 Till mild religion from above 

Descends, a sweet engaging form, 
The messenger of heav'nly love, 
The bow of promise 'mid the storm. 

5 Ambition, pride, revenge depart, 

And folly flies her chast'ning rod; 
She makes the humble contrite heart 
A temple of the living God. 

6 Beyond the narrow vale of time, 

Where bright celestial ages roll, 
To scenes eternal, scenes sublime, 

She points the way and leads the soul. 

7 Baptiz'd with her renewing fire, 

May we the crown of glory gain; 
Rise, when the hosts of heav'n expire; 
And reign with God, for ever reign ! 

Hymn 612. l. m. 

Light of Religion. 

1 TF all our hopes and all our fears 
JL Were prison' d in life's little bound ; 
I£ travelers through this vale of tears, 

We saw no better world beyond : — 
O what could check the rising sigh ? 

What earthly thing could pleasure give? 
Who then in peace could ever die? 

Or who would breathe a wish to live? 

2 Yet such were life, without the ray 

From our divine religion giv'n. 
*Tis this that makes our darkness day; 
'Tis this that makes our earth a heav'n 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 413 

Bright is the golden sun above, 

And beautiful the flow'rs that bloom; 

And all is joy, and all is love, 
Reflected from a world to come. 

Hymn 613. s. m. 

It shall be well with the Righteous. 
Isaiah iii. 10. 

1 T7K7~HAT cheering words are these ! 

▼ T Their sweetness who can tell % 
In time and through eternity 
'Tis with the righteous well. 

2 In ev'ry state secure, 

Kept by Jehovah's eye, 
'Tis well with them while life endures, 
And well when call'd to die. 

3 'Tis well, when joys they taste ; 

'Tis well, when sorrows flow; 
J Tis well, when darkness veils the skies, 
And strong temptations blow. 

4 'Tis well, when on the mount 

They feast on heav'nly love; 
And 'tis as well, in God's account, 
When they the furnace prove. 

5 'Tis well, when summon' d hence, 

From earth to heav'n they rise, 
Join'd with the hosts of holy souls, 
Made to salvation wise. 

Hymn 614. p. m. ss&ts. 

The Happiness of forsaking all to follow Christ. 

1 TESUS ! I my cross have taken, 
• cr All to leave and follow thee ; 
Self renounc'd and sin forsaken : 
Thou alone my guide shalt be. 



414 ADDITIONAL .HYMNS 

2 Perish, ev'ry false ambition — 

All, the world has lov'd or known:-— 
Yet how rich is my condition ! 

God and heav'n are still mine own. 

3 Go then, earthly fame and treasure 

Come, disaster, scorn, and pain : 
In thy service pain is pleasure ; 
With thy favour, loss is gain. 

4 Know, my soul, thy full salvation ; 

Rise o'er sin, and fear, and care; 
Joy to find in ev'ry station 
Something still to do or bear. 

5 Think, what spirit dwells within thee; 

Think, what father's smiles are thine J 
Think, that Jesus died to win thee : 
Child of heav'n, canst thou repine ? 

6 Haste thee on from grace to glory, 

Arm'd by faith and wing'd by pray'r. 
Heav'n's eternal day's before thee; 
God's own hand shall lead thee there. 

7 Soon shall close thine earthly mission; 

Soon shall pass thy pilgrim days : 
Hope shall change to glad fruition, 
Faith to sight, and pray'r to praise. 

Hymn 615. c. m. 

Holy Fortitude. 

1 A Mia soldier of the cross, 
jLJl A foll'wer of the Lamb? 
And shall I fear to own his cause, 

Or blush to speak his name ? 

2 Must I be carry' d to the skies 

On flow'ry beds of ease? 
While others fought to win the prize, 
And sail'd through bloody seas! 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 415 

3 Are there no foes for me to face? 

Must I not stem the flood ? 
Is this wild world a friend to grace, 
To help me on to God % 

4 Sure I must fight, if I would reign; 

Be faithful to my Lord ; 
And bear the toil, endure the pain, 
Supported by thy word. 

5 The saints, in all this glorious war, 

Shall conquer, though they die ; 
They see the triumph from afar, 
And seize it with their eye. 

6 When that illustrious day shall rise, 

And all thine armies shine 
In robes of vict'ry through the skies, 
The glory shall be thine. 

Hymn 616. s. m. 

The Christian's Charge. 

1 A CHARGE to keep I have; 
Ji\- A God to glorify ; 

A never-dying soul to save, 

And fit it for the sky ; 
To serve the present age ; 

My calling to fulfil : — 
O may it all my pow'rs engage, 

To do my Master's will ! 

2 Arm me with jealous care, 

As in thy sight to live ; 
And, oh ! thy servant, Lord, prepare 

The strict account to give. 
Help me to watch and pray, 

And/ on thyself rely : 
Assured, if I my trust betray, 

I shall forsaken die. 



416 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Hymn 617. c. m. 

Christian Watchfulness. 

1 \ WAKE, my drowsy soul, awake, 
-ljL And view the threat' ning scene : 
Legions of foes encamp around, 

And treach'ry lurks within. 

2 } Tis not this mortal life alone 

These enemies assail : 
How canst thou hope for future bliss, 
If their attempts prevail? 

3 Then to the work of God awake — 

Behold thy Master near — 
The various, arduous work pursue 
With vigour and with fear. 

4 The awful register goes on ; 

The account will surely come ; 
And op'ning day or closing night 
May bear me to my doom. 

5 Tremendous thought ! how deep it strikes 

Yet like a dream it flies, 
Till God's own voice the slumbers chase 
From these deluded eyes. 

Hymn 618. p. m. 7s. 

Image of God and Christ in Man. 
ATHER of eternal grace, 



'F 



Glorify thyself in me ! 
Meekly beaming in my face, 
May the world thine image see. 

2 Happy always in thy love, 

Though unfriended or unknown, 
Fix my thoughts on things above ; 
Stay my heart on thee alone. 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 417 

Humble, holy, all resign' d 

To thy will, — thy will be done ! — 

Give me, Lord, the perfect mind 
Of thy well beloved Son. 

Counting gain and glory loss, 

May I tread the path he trod, 
Die with Jesus on the cross, 

Rise with him to thee, my God. 

Hymn 619. l.m. 

Service of God. 
Y gracious God, I own thy right 



•M 



To ev'ry service I can pay. 
O make it my supreme delight, 
To hear thy dictates, and obey. 

2 What is my being, but for thee, 

Its sure support, its noblest end? 
Thine ever-smiling face to see, 

And serve the cause of such a friend? 

3 Thy work my hoary age shall bless, 

When youthful vigour is no more ; 
And my last hour of life confess, 
Thy love hath animating pow'r. 

Hymn 620. cm. 

Christian Zeal. 

ZEAL is that pure and heav'nly flame 
The fire of love supplies; 
While that which often bears the name, 
Is self in a disguise. 

True zeal is merciful and mild, 

Can pity and forbear; 
The false is headstrong, fierce, and wild, 

And breathes revenge and war. 



418 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

3 While zeal for truth the Christian warms, 

He knows the worth of peace ; 
But self contends for names and forms, 
Its party to increase. 

4 Self may its poor reward obtain, 

And be applauded here ; 
But zeal the best applause will gain, 
When Jesus shall appear. 

5 O God, the idol self dethrone, 

And from our hearts remove ; 
And let no zeal by us be shown, 
But that which springs from love. 

Hymn 621. cm. 

Alacrity of Christian Obedience. 
Romans viii. 15. 

1 "]V~OT by the terrors of a slave, 
_L ll Do saints perform thy will ; 
But with the noblest pow'rs they have, 

Thy blest commands fulfil. 

2 They find access at ev'ry hour 

To God within the veil ; 
Hence they derive a quickning pow*r, 
And joys that never fail. 

3 O happy souls ! O glorious state 

Of thy abounding grace ! 
To dwell so near their Father's seat, 
And see his blissful face ! 

4 Lord, I address thy heav'nly throne; 

Call me a child of thine ; 
Send down the Spirit of thy Son, 
To form my heart divine. 

5 There shed a fervent love abroad, 

And make my comfort strong; 



■o 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 419 

That I may say, "My Father God," 
With an unwav'ring tongue. 

Hymn 622. l. m. 

Christian Decision and Dedication to God. 
(Confirmation.) 

HAPPY day, that stays my choice 
On thee, my Saviour and my God ! 
Well may this glowing heart rejoice, 
And tell thy goodness all abroad. 

O happy bond, that seals my vows, 

To him who merits all my love ! 
Let cheerful anthems fill his house, 

While to his sacred throne I move. 

'Tis done, the great transaction's done; 

I am the Lord's, and he is mine. 
Help me, great God, to follow on, 

Obedient to thy voice divine. 

Now rest, mine oft-divided heart ; 

Fix'd on this blissful centre, rest. 
With ashes who would grieve to part, 

When call'd on angels' food to feast? 

High heav'n, that heard the solemn vow, 
That vow renew' d shall daily hear; 

Till in life's latest hour I bow, 

And bless in death a bond so dear. 

Hymn 623. s. m. 

Prayer for Christian Principles. 

1 "]%/TY God, my strength, my hope, 
J_TJL On thee I cast my care, 
With humble confidence look up, 

And know thou hear' st my pray'r. 
Give me on thee to wait, 
Till I can all things do ; 
36 



420 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

On thee, almighty to create, 
Almighty to renew. 

2 I want a sober mind, 

A self-renouncing will, 
That tramples down and casts behind 

The baits of pleasing ill : 
A soul inur'd to pain, 

To hardship, grief, and loss — 
Bold to take up, firm to sustain 

The consecrated cross. 

3 I want a godly fear, 

A quick discerning eye, 
That looks to thee when sin is near, 

And sees the tempter fly; 
A spirit still prepar'd, 

And arm'd with jealous care, 
For ever standing on its guard, 

And watching unto pray'r. 

4 I want a true regard, 

A single, steady aim, 
Unmov'd by threatening or reward, 

To thee and thy great name; 
A zealous, just concern 

For thine immortal praise; 
A pure desire that all may learn 

And glorify thy grace. 

I rest upon thy word ; 
Thy promise is for me : 
y succour and salvation, Lord, 
Shall surely come from thee. 

But let me still abide, 

Nor from my hope remove, 

Till thou my patient spirit guide 
Into thy perfect love. 



o 



additional hymns. 421 

Hymn 624. l. m. 

Prayer for Christian Improvement. 
THOU, who hast at thy command 



The hearts of all men in thy hand ! 
My wishes and desires control ; 
Mould ev'ry purpose of my soul. 

2 Be with me, Lord, where'er I go ; 
Teach me what thou wouldst have me do ; 
Suggest whate'er I think and say; 
Direct me in the narrow way. 

3 Prevent me, lest I harbour pride, 
Lest I in mine own strength confide : 
Show me my weakness ; let me see, 

I have my pow'r, mine all from thee. 

4 Assist and teach me how to pray ; 
Dispose my nature to obey; 

What thou abhorr'st, that let me flee, 
And only love what pleases thee. 

5 And while I to thine honour live, 
May I to thee all glory give, 

Until the summons, Lord, shall come, 
That calls thy willing servant home. 

Hymn 625. l. m. 

The Energy of Faith. 

1 J) RAISE, everlasting praise, be paid 
jL To him, who earth's foundation laid: 
Praise to the God, whose so v' reign will 
All nature's laws and pow'rs fulfil. 

2 Praise to the goodness of the Lord, 
Who rules his people by his word; 
Where faith contemplates his decrees, 
And ev'ry gracious promise sees. 



422 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

3 O for a strong and lasting faith, 
To credit what th' Almighty saith; 
T' embrace the message of his Son, 
And call the joys of heav'n our own ! 

4 Then should the earth's vast pillars shake, 
And all the wheels of nature break, 

Our steady souls should fear no more 
Than solid rocks when billows roar. 

5 Our everlasting hopes arise 
Above the perishable skies ; 
And firm their basis shall remain, 
When these to chaos sink again. 

Hymn 626. p. m. 7s. 

Simplicity of Faith in God's Word. 

1 T ORD, for ever at thy side 

I J Let my place and portion be ! 
Strip me of the robe of pride, 
Clothe me with humility. 

2 Meekly may my soul receive 

All thy Spirit hath reveal' d. 
Thou hast spoken — I believe, 
Though the oracle were seal'd. 

3 Quiet as a weaned child, 

Weaned from the mother's breast; 
By no subtlety begun" d, 
On thy faithful word I rest. 

4 Saints, rejoicing evermore, 

In the Lord Jehovah trust : 
Him in all his ways adore, 
Wise, and wonderful, and just. 

Hymn 627. l. m. 

Faith without Works is Dead. 
1 \ S body, when the soul has fled, — 
JLJL As barren trees, decay' d and dead, 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 423 

Is faith — a hopeless, lifeless thing — 
If not of righteousness the spring. 

2 To doers only of his word, 
Propitious is th' all-seeing Lord : 

He hears their cries, accepts their pray'rs, 
And heals their wounds, and soothes their cares. 

3 In true and active faith, we trace 
The source of ev'ry Christian grace: 
Within the pious heart it plays, 

A living fount of joy and praise. 

4 Kind deeds of peace and love betray 
Where'er the stream has found its way: 
But where these spring not rich and fair, 
The stream has never wander' d there. 

Hymn 628, l. m. 

Faith of the Ancients. Hebrews xi. 33, 34. 

LEST is the mem'ry of the just, 
And sweet their slumbers in the dust ! 
Though lost, long lost to mortal eye, 
Their well-earn' d fame shall never die. 

2 In life's fair book the Patriarchs live ; 
Prophets and saints instruction give ; 
Though dead, they speak the truth divine, 
And in example brightly shine. 

3 My soul, these ancient heroes view ; 
Their faith, their love, their zeal pursue. 
Warm'd by each word, and glorious deed, 
In the same blessed path proceed. 

4 O may I in their triumphs share, 
When the great Saviour shall appear, 
To raise them up to high renown 
And give them an immortal crown ! 

36* 



B 



424 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Hymn 629. p. m. n s 

Precious Promises. 

1 TT OW firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, 
JL1 Is laid for your faith in his excellent word ! 
What more can he say, than to you he hath said, 
Who unto Jehovah for refuge have fled ? 

2 "Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismay' d; 
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid. 
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to 

stand, 
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand. 

3 " When through the deep waters I call thee to go, 
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow : 

For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, 
And sanctify to thee, thy deepest distress. 

4 " When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, 
My grace all-sufficient shall be thy supply. 

The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design 
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine. 

5 " The soul that on me humbly leans for repose, 
I will not, I will not, desert to his foes. 

That soul, though all hell should endeavour to 

shake, 
I'll never — no never — no never forsake." 

Hymn 630. p.m. 7s&6s. 

Faith aspiring to Heaven. 
1 13 ISE, my soul, and stretch thy wings, 
JLV/ Thy better portion trace ; 
Rise from transitory things 

Tow'rd heav'n, thy native place. 
Sun, and moon, and stars decay ; 

Time shall soon this earth remove : 
Rise, my soul, and haste away 
To seats prepar'd above. 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 425 

Rivers to the ocean run, 

Nor stay in all their course ; 
Fire, ascending, seeks the sun ; 

Both speed them to their source. 
So a soul that's born of God, 

Pants to view his glorious face ; 
Upward tends to his abode, 

To rest in his embrace. 

Cease, ye pilgrims, cease to mourn ; 

Press onward to the prize : 
Soon the Saviour will return 

Triumphant in the skies. 
Yet a season, and you know 

Happy entrance will be giv'n ; 
All your sorrows left below, 

And earth exchang'd for heav'n. 

Hymn 631. p. m. 7s. 

Rejoicing in Hope. 

CHILDREN of the heav'nly King, 
As ye journey, sweetly sing : 
Sing your Saviour's worthy praise, 
Glorious in his works and ways. 

Ye are traveling home to God, 
In the way the fathers trod : 
They are happy now, and ye 
Soon their happiness shall see. 

Shout, ye little flock, and bless 7 d ; 
You near Jesus' throne shall rest. 
There your seats are now prepar'd — 
There your kingdom and reward. 

Fear not, brethren — joyful stand 
On the borders of your land. 
Jesus Christ, your Father's Son, 
Bids you undismay'd, go on. 



426 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

5 Lord, obediently we'll go, 
Gladly leaving all below. 
Only thou our leader be, 
And we still will follow thee. 

Hymn 632. l. m. 

Glorying in God alone, 
Jeremiah ix. 23, 24. 

1 FT1HE righteous Lord, supremely great, 

JL Maintains his universal state; 
O'er all the earth his pow'r extends, 
All heav'n before his footstool bends. 

2 Yet justice still with pow'r presides, 
And mercy all his empire guides ; 
Such works are pleasing in his sight, 
And such the men of his delight. 

3 No more, ye wise, your wisdom boast ; 
No more, ye strong, your valour trust ; 
Nor let the rich survey their store, 
Replete with heaps of shining ore. 

4 Glory, my soul, in this alone, 

That God, thy God, to thee is known ; 
That thou hast own'd his sov' reign sway, 
That thou hast felt his cheering ray. 

5 My wisdom, wealth, and pow'r I find 
In one Jehovah all combin'd. 

On him I fix my roving eyes, 
Till all my soul in rapture rise. 

6 All else which I my treasure call, 
May in one fatal moment fall : 
But what his happiness can move, 
Whom God the blessed deigns to love t 






additional hymns. 427 

Hymn 633. l. m. 

Love to God. 

1 " r¥lHUS shalt thou love th' Almighty Lord— 

JL With all thy heart, and soul, and mind." — 
So speaks to man that sacred word, 
For counsel and reproof design' d. 

2 "With all thy heart" — no idol thing, 

Though close around the heart it twine, 
Its interposing shade must fling, 
To darken that pure love of thine. 

3 "With all thy mind" — each vary'd pow'r, 

Creative fancy, musings high, 
And thoughts that glance behind, before, ^ 
These must religion sanctify. 

4 "With soul and strength" — thy days of ease 

While vigour nerves each youthful limb, 
And hope and joy, and health and peace, 
All must be freely brought to him. 

5 Thou Pow'r Supreme, in whom we move ! 

Vouchsafe thy servants, in their day, 
The mind t' adore, the heart to love, 

And strength to serve thee, while they may. 



L 



Hymn 634. p. m. 8s&7s. 

Joyful Love to God implored. 

OVE divine, all love excelling, 



Joy of heav'n, to earth come down! 
Fix in us thy humble dwelling, 
All thy faithful mercies crown. 

Father ! thou art all compassion ; 

Pure, unbounded love thou art : 
Visit us with thy salvation, 

Enter ev'ry longing heart. 



428 ADDITIONAL HYMNS 

3 Breathe, O breathe thy blissful spirit 

Into ev'ry tro-ubPd breast ! 
Let us all in thee inherit, 

Let us find thy promised rest. 

4 Come, Almighty to deliver, 

Let us all thy life receive , 
Graciously come down, and never, 
Never more thy temples leave. 

5 Change from glory into glory, 

vTill in heav'n we take our place, 
Till we cast our crowns before thee, 
Lost in wonder, love, and praise. 

Hymn 635. p. m. s s & 7* 

Grateful Affection to God. 

1 /^OME, thou fount of ev'ry blessing, 
\j Tune my heart to sing thy grace. 
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, 

Call for songs of loudest praise. 

2 Here I raise mine Ebenezer ; 

Hither by thy help I'm come; 
And I hope, by thy good pleasure, 
Safely to arrive at home. 

3 O ! to grace how great a debtor 

Daily I'm constraint to be ! 
Let that grace, now, like a fetter, 
Bind my wand' ring heart to thee. 

4 Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it — 

Prone to leave the God of love — 
Here's my heart : O, take and seal it, 
Seal it for thy courts above. 

Hymn 636. l. m. 

FROM the world's vile slavery, 
Almighty Father ! set me free ; 



o 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 429 

And as my treasure is above, 

Be there my thoughts, be there my love. 

But oft, alas ! too well I know, 

My thoughts, my love, are fix'd below. 

In ev'ry lifeless pray'r I find 

The heart unmov'd, the absent mind. 

O what that frozen heart can move, 
That melts not at a Saviour's love'? 
What can that sluggish spirit raise, 
That will not sing its Father's praise? 

Yet earthly pleasure still hath charms, 
And earthly love my bosom warms; 
Though cold my heart to love divine, 
And cold, my bleeding Lord, to thine ! 

draw my best affections hence, 
Above this world of sin and sense ; 
Cause them to soar beyond the skies, 
And rest not till to thee they rise. 

Hymn 637. s. m. 

Doing all to the Glory of God. 

1 HTIEACH me, my God and King, 

J- In all things thee to see : 
And what I do in any thing, 
To do it as for thee ! 

2 To scorn the senses' sway, 

While still to thee I tend : 
In all I do, be thou the way — 
In all, be thou the end ! 

3 All may of thee partake : 

Nothing so small can be, 
But draws, when acted for thy sake, 
Greatness and worth from thee. 

4 If prompted by thy laws, 

E'en servile labours shine : 



430 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Hallow' d is toil, if this the cause, 
The meanest work divine. 

Hymn 638. l. m. 

Prayer. 

1 ~^£7~HAT various hindrances we meet, 

m In coming to a mercy-seat ! 
Yet who that knows the worth of pray' r, 
But wishes to be often there ? 

2 Pray'r makes the darken' d cloud withdraw; 
Pray'r climbs the ladder Jacob saw; 
Gives exercise to faith and love; 

Brings ev'ry blessing from above. 

3 Restraining pray'r, we cease to fight; 
Pray'r makes the Christian's armour bright; 
And while he stands with arms spread wide, 
Success is always on his side. 

4 Were half the breath that's vainly spent, 
To heav'n in supplication sent : 

Our cheerful song would oft'ner be, 
"Hear what the Lord has done for me." 

Hymn 639. l. m. 

The Mercy- Seat. 

1 1/1 ROM ev'ry stormy wind that blows, 
JO From ev'ry swelling tide of woes, 
There is a calm, a sure retreat ; 

'Tis found beneath the mercy-seat. 

2 There is a scene where spirits blend, 
Where friend holds fellowship with friend. 
Though sunder' d far, by faith they meet 
Around one common mercy-seat. 

3 Ah ! whither could we fly for aid, 
When tempted, desolate, dismay'd? 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 431 

Or how the hosts of hell defeat, 
Had sufTring saints no mercy-seat? 

4 There, there on eagle's wings we soar, 
And sin, and sense, seem all no more ; 
And heav'n comes down our souls to greet, 
And glory crowns the mercy-seat. 

5 O let my hand forget her skill, 
My tongue be silent, cold and still, 
This bounding heart forget to beat, 
If I forget the mercy-seat. 

Hymn 640. p. m. ns & io s . 

Prayer, the Refuge of the Disconsolate. 
OME, ye disconsolate, where'er you languish, 



•c 



Come to the mercy-seat, fervently kneel. 
Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your 
anguish : 
Earth has no sorrows, that heav'n cannot heal. 

2 Joy of the comfortless, light of the straying; 

Hope, when all others die, fadeless and pure ; 
Here speaks the Comforter, in mercy saying, 
Earth has no sorrow, that heav'n cannot cure. 

3 Here see the bread of life, see waters flowing 

Forth from the throne of God, pure from above. 
Come to the feast of love, come, ever knowing, 
Earth has no sorrows but heav'n can remove. 

Hymn 641. c. m. 

Religious Retirement, and Secret Prayer. 

AR from the world, O Lord ! I flee, 
From strife and tumult far ; 
From scenes, where sin is waging still 



F 



Its most successful war. 



7 



432 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

2 The calm retreat, the silent shade, 

With pray' r and praise agree; 
And seem by thy sweet bounty made 
For those who follow thee. 

3 There, if thy Spirit touch the soul, 

And grace her mean abode : 

with what peace, and joy, and love, 
She communes with her God ! 

4 There, like the nightingale, she pours 

Her solitary lays ; 
Nor asks a witness of her song, 
Nor thirsts for human praise. 

5 What thanks I owe thee ! and what love, 

A boundless, endless store, 
Shall echo through the realms above, 
When time shall be no more ! 

Hymn 642. p. m. 7s. 

Filial Confidence Supplicated. 

1 /^VUIET, Lord, my froward heart; 
\£ Make me teachable and mild. 
Upright, simple, free from art ; 

Make me as a weaned child; 
From distrust and envy free, 
Pleas' d with all that pleases thee. 

2 What thou shalt to-day provide, 

Let me as a child receive; 
What to-morrow may betide, 

Calmly to thy wisdom leave. 
'Tis enough, that thou wilt care : 
Why should I the burden bear % 

3 As a little child relies 

On a care beyond his own, 
Knows he's neither strong nor wise, 
Fears to stir a step alone : 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS, 433 

Let me thus with thee abide, 
As my Father, guard, and guide. 

Thus preserv'd from ev'ry wile, 
Safe from dangers, free from fears, 

May I live upon thy smile, 

Till the promis'd hour appears, 

When the sons of God shall prove 

All their Father's boundless love. 

Hymn 643. p. m. 7s & * 

Divine Light and Comfort. 

SOMETIMES a light surprises 
The Christian, while he sings; 
It is the Lord, who rises 

With healing on his wings. 
When comforts are declining, 

He grants the soul again 
A season of clear shining, 
To cheer it after rain. 

In holy contemplation 

We sweetly then pursue 
The theme of God's salvation, 

And find it ever new. 
Set free from present sorrow, 

We cheerfully can say, 
Let the unknown to-morrow 

Bring with it what it may. 

It can bring with it nothing, 

But he will bear us through : — 
Who gives the lilies clothing, 

Will clothe his people too. 
Beneath the spreading heavens, 

No creature but is fed : 
And he who feeds the ravens, 

Will give his children bread. 



434 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

4 Though vine nor fig-tree neither 

Their wonted fruit should bear ; 
Though all the fields should wither, 

Nor flocks nor herds be there : 
Yet God the same abiding, 

His praise shall tune my voice ; 
For, while in him confiding, 

I cannot but rejoice, 

Hymn 644 l. m. 

Trust, not in Creatures, but in God. 

1 1%/T Y spirit looks to God alone ; 
_LT_I_ My rock and refuge is his throne : 
In all my fears, in all my straits, 

My soul on his salvation waits. 

2 Trust him, ye saints, in all your ways, 
Pour out your hearts before his face : 
When helpers fail, and foes invade, 
God is our all-sufficient aid. 

3 False are the men of high degree; 
The baser sort are vanity : 

Laid in the balance, both appear 
Light as a puff of empty air. 

4 Make not increasing gold your trust, 
Nor set your heart on glitt'ring dust, 
Why will you grasp the fleeting smoke, 
And not believe what God hath spoke I 

5 Once has his awful voice declar'd, 
Once^and again my ears have heard : 
"All pow'r is his eternal due; 

He must be fear'd and trusted too." 

Hymn 645. l. m. 

Contentment and Trust in God. 
1 |J E still, my heart ! these anxious cares 
J3 To thee are burdens, thorns, and snares : 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 435 

They cast dishonour on thy Lord, 
And contradict his gracious word. 

2 Brought safely by his hand thus far, 
Why wilt thou now give place to fear ? 
How canst thou want, if he provide !■ 
Or lose thy way with such a guide % 

3 Did ever trouble yet befall, 
And he refuse to hear thy call ? 
And has he not his promise pass'd, 
That thou shalt overcome at last % 

4 Though rough and thorny be the road, 
It leads thee home apace to God : 
Then count thy present trial small, 
For heav'n will make amends for all. 

Hymn 646. l. m. 

Submission and Trust 

1 1%/rY God, I thank thee ! may no thought 
JLfX. E'er deem thy chastisement severe: 
But may this heart, by sorrow taught, 

Calm each wild wish, each idle fear. 

2 Thy mercy bids all nature bloom 

The sun shines bright, and man is gay : 
Thine equal mercy spreads the gloom, 
That darkens o'er his little day. 

3 Full many a throb of grief and pain 

Thy frail and erring child must know : 
But not one pray'r is breath' d in vain, 
Nor does one tear unheeded flow. 

4 Thy various messengers employ ; 

Thy purposes of love fulfil : 
And 'mid the wreck of human joy, 
Let kneeling faith adore thy will. 
37* 



436 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Hymn 647. c. m. 

Isaiah xl. 27 — 31. 

1 ~\^7~HY mournest thou, my anxious soul, 

? 7 Despairing of relief 
As if the Lord o'erlook'd thy cares, 
Or pity'd not thy grief? 

2 Art thou afraid, his power will fail 

In sorrow's evil day? 
Can the Creator's mighty arm 
Grow weary or decay ? 

3 Supreme in wisdom, as in pow'r, 

The Rock of ages stands : 
Thou canst not search his mind, nor trace 
The working of his hands. 

4 He gives the conquest to the weak, 

Supports the fainting heart; 
And courage in the evil hour 
His heav'nly aids impart. 

5 Mere human energy shall faint, 

And youthful vigour cease : 
But those who wait upon the Lord, 
In strength shall still increase. 

6 They, with un weary' d step, shall tread 

The path of life divine ; 
With growing ardour onward move, 
With growing brightness shine. 

Hymn 648. c. m. 

Moderation. 

1 TTAPPY the man, whose cautious steps 
IX Still keep the golden mean ; 
Whose life, by wisdom's rules well form'd, 
Declares a conscience clean. 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 437 

2 What blessings bounteous heav'n bestows, 

He takes with thankful heart ; 
With temp' ranee he both eats and drinks, 
And gives the poor a part. 

3 To sect or party his large soul 

Disdains to be confin'd : 
The good he loves of ev'ry name, 
And prays for all mankind. 

4 His business is to keep his heart ; 

Each passion to control; 
Nobly ambitious well to rule 
The empire of his soul. 

5 Not on the world his heart is set ; 

His treasure is above : 
Nothing beneath the so v' reign good 
Can claim his highest love. 

Hymn 649. p. m. 8s & e s . 

The Parent's Prayer. 

1 Hi! ATHER of all, whose sovereign wili 
JO Hath called thy servant to fulfil 

The parent's tender part ! 
With gifts and graces from above, 
With calmest care and wisest love, 

Instruct my simple heart. 

2 O may I ev'ry moment see 
Th' important end for which to me 

Thou hast my children giv'n ! 
A blessed instrument divine, 
Through thee, to make and keep them thine, 

And train them up for heav'n. 

3 Help me, great God ! their souls to rear, 
And, principled with holy fear, 

In virtue's path to lead; 



438 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

The hunger after thee excite, 
And stir them up with all their might 
To seek the living bread. 

4 Thou, Lord, my ev'ry fault prevent, 
And guard whom thou to me hast lent, 

And guide them by thine eye. 
Conduct, or to thyself receive : 
O let them to thy glory live, 

Or in thy favour die ! 

Hymn 650. c. m. 

Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace. 

1 FTjlHE glorious universe around, 

JL The heav'ns with all their train, 
Suil moon, and stars, are firmly bound 
In one mysterious chain. 

2 God in creation thus displays 

His wisdom and his might ; 
While all his works with all his ways 
Harmoniously unite. 

3 In one fraternal bond of love, 

One fellowship of mind, 
The saints below and saints above 
Their bliss and glory find. 

4 Here, in their house of pilgrimage, 

Thy statutes are their song ; 
There, through one bright, eternal age, 
Thy praises they prolong. 

5 Lord ! may our union form a part 

Of that thrice-happy whole ; 
Derive its pulse from thee, the heart ; 
Its life from thee, the soul. 






ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 439 

Hymn 651. p. m. 7s. 

Lords-day Morning. 

1 O AFELY through another week, 
1^ God has brought us on our way : 

Let us now a blessing seek, 

Waiting in his courts to-day ; — 
Day of all the week the best, 
Emblem of eternal rest. 

2 Mercies, multiply' d each hour, 

Through the week, our praise demand ; 
Guarded by thy mighty pow'r, 

Fed and guided by thy hand. 
From our worldly cares set free, 
May we find repose in thee ! 

3 May the gospel's joyful sound 

Conquer sinners, comfort saints; 
Make the fruits of grace abound ; 

Bring relief for all complaints. 
Blest may all our sabbaths prove, 
Till we join the church above ! 

Hymn 652. s. m. 

Invitations to God's House. 

1 ^lOME to the house of pray'r, 
Vy O thou afflicted, come : 

The God of peace shall meet thee there, 
He makes that house his home. 

2 Come to the house of praise, 

Ye who are happy now : 
In sweet accord your voices raise, 
In kindred homage bow. 

3 Ye aged, hither come, 

For ye have felt his love : 
Soon shall your trembling tongues be dumb, 
Your lips forget to move. 



440 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

4 Ye young, before his throne, 

Come, bow, your voices raise : 
Let not your hearts his praise disown, 
Who gives the pow'r to praise. 

5 Thou, whose benignant eye 

In mercy looks on all ; 
Who seest the tear of misery, 
And hear' st the mourner's call; 

6 Up to thy dwelling-place 

Bear our frail spirits on, 
Till they outstrip time's tardy pace, 
And heav'n on earth be won. 

Hymn 653. s. m. 

Delight in Ordinances. 

1 "V¥7*ELCOME, sweet day of rest, 

1 1 That saw the Lord arise ; 
Welcome to this reviving breast, 
And these rejoicing eyes ! 

2 The King himself comes near, 

And feasts his saints to-day : 
Here we may sit, and see him here, 
And love, and praise, and pray. 

3 One day amidst the place 

Where my dear Lord hath been, 
Is sweeter than ten thousand days 
Of pleasure and of sin. 

4 My willing soul would stay 

In such a frame as this, 
And sit and sing herself away 
To everlasting bliss. 






ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 441 

Hymn 654. c. m. 

The Sabbath of the Soul. 

1 O LEEP, sleep to-day, tormenting cares, 
)^7 Of earth and folly born ! 

Ye shall not dim the light that streams 
From this celestial morn. 

2 To-morrow will be time enough 

To feel your harsh control : 
Ye shall not violate this day, 
The sabbath of my soul. 

3 Sleep, sleep for ever, guilty thoughts ! 

Let fires of vengeance die ! 
And, cleans' d from sin, may I behold 
A God of purity ! 

Hymn 655. p. m. 7s. 

Humble Worship. 

1 X1E7~HEN before thy throne we kneel, 

11 Fill' d with awe and holy fear, 
Teach us, O our God, to feel 
All thy sacred presence near. 

2 Check each proud and wand' ring thought, 
When on thy great name we call. 

Man is nought, is less than nought ; 
Thou, our God, art all in all. 

3 O receive the praise that dares 
Seek thy heav'n-exalted throne ; 
Bless our off' rings, hear our pray'rs, 
Infinite and Holy One ! 

Hymn 656. c. m. 

After Sermon. 

1 \ GAIN our ears have heard the voice, 
-lJL At which the dead shall live : 



442 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

O may the sound our hearts rejoice, 
And strength immortal give ! 

2 And have we heard the word with joy ? 
And have we felt its pow'r ? 
To keep it be our blest employ, 
Till life's concluding hour. 

Hymn 657. c. m. 

After Sermon. 

1 \ LMIGHTY God, thy word is cast 

-ljL Like seed into the ground : 
Now let the dew of heav'n descend, 
And righteous fruits abound. 

2 Oft as the precious seed is sown, 

Thy quick' ning grace bestow; 
That all whose souls the truth receive, 
Its saving pow'r may know. 

Hymn 658. p. m. 7s. 

Benediction. 

1 "TV" OW may he, who from the dead 
JLlI Brought the Shepherd of the sheep, 
Jesus Christ, our King and Head, — 

All our souls in safely keep. 

2 May he teach us to fulfil 

What is pleasing in his sight ; 
Perfect us in all his will, 

And preserve us day and night. 

Hymn 659. p. m. 8s&7s. 

Benediction. 

1 T%/|~AY the grace of Christ, our Saviour, 
JLTA And the Father's boundless love, 
With the holy Spirit's favour, 
Rest upon us from above. 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 443 

Thus may we abide in union 

With each other and the Lord ; 
And possess, in sweet communion, 

Joys which earth cannot afford. 

Hymn 660. l. m. 

At the Baptism of a Child. 

THIS child we dedicate to thee, 
O God of grace and purity ! 
Shield it from sin and threat' ning wrong, 
And let thy love its life prolong. 

O may thy Spirit gently draw 
Its willing soul to keep thy law ! 
May virtue, piety, and truth 
Dawn even with its dawning youth ! 

We, too, before thy gracious sight, 
Once shar'd the blest baptismal rite; 
And would renew its solemn vow 
With love and thanks and praises now. 

Grant that with true and faithful heart 
We still may act the Christian part ; 
Cheer' d by each promise thou hast giv'n, 
And lab' ring for the prize of heav'n. 



o 



Hymn 661. c. m. 

At the Close of the Communion. 

GOD, accept the sacred hour 
Which we to thee have giv'n ; 
And let this hallow' d scene have pow'r 
To raise our souls to heav'n. 

2 Still let us hold, till life departs, 
The precepts of thy Son; 
Nor let our thoughtless, thankless hearts, 
Forget what he has done. 

38 



444 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

3 His true disciples may we live, 
From all corruption free ; 
And humbly learn, like him, to give 
Our pow'rs, our wills to thee. 

4 And oft, along life's dang'rous way, 
To smoothe our passage through, 
Wilt thou, as on this holy day, 
For us this scene renew ! 

Hymn 662. l. m. 

Morning Hymn. 

1 /^ OD of the morning, at whose voice 
VJT The cheerful sun makes haste to rise, 
And like a giant doth rejoice 

To run his journey through the skies ; 

2 O like the sun may I fulfil 

Th' appointed duties of the day, 
With ready mind and active will 

March on and keep my heav'nly way. 

3 Lord ! thy commands are clear and pure, 

Enlight'ning our beclouded eyes ; 
Thy threat'nings just, thy promise sure; 
Thy gospel makes the simple wise. 

4 Give me thy counsel for my guide, 

And then receive me to thy bliss. 
All my desires and hopes beside, 

Are faint and cold, compar'd with this. 

Hymn 663. ^. m. 

Morning or Evening. 

1 \ S ev'ry day thy mercy spares, 
jljL Will bring its trials or its cares, 
O Father, till my life shall end, 
Be thou my counsellor and friend ! 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 445 

Teach me thy statutes all divine, 
And let thy will be always mine. 

When each day's scenes and labours close, 
And weary 5 d nature seeks repose; 
With pard'ning mercy richly blest, 
Guard me, my Father, while I rest : 
And as each morning sun shall rise, 

lead me onward to the skies ! 

And at my life's last setting sun, 
My conflicts o'er, my labours done — 
Father, thy heav'nly radiance shed, 
To cheer and bless my dying bed ; 
And from death's gloom my spirit raise, 
To see thy face and sing thy praise. 

Hymn 664. s. m. 

Evening. 

1 J~W\ HE day is pass'd and gone, 

_I_ The ev'ning shades appear : 
O may I ever keep in mind, 

The night of death draws near ! 

2 I lay my garments by, 

Upon my bed to rest : 
So death will soon disrobe my soul 
Of what is here possess' d. 

3 Lord, keep me safe this night, 

Secure from all my fears : 
Protect and guard me, while I sleep, 
Till morning-light appears. 

4 And when my days are pass'd, 

And I from time remove, 
Lord, may I in thy bosom rest, 
The bosom of thy love. 



446 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Hymn 665. p. m. 7s. 

Safety in God. Morning or Evening. 

1 FT1HEY who on the Lord rely, 

JL Safely dwell, though danger's nigh. 
Lo, his shelf ring wings are spread 
O'er each faithful servant's head. 

2 Vain is ev'ry wily snare; 
Christians are Jehovah's care : 
Harmless flies the shaft by day, 
Or in darkness wings its way. 

3 When they wake, or when they sleep, 
God in safety them will keep. 

Death and danger may be near, 
Faith and love have nought to fear. 

Hymn 666. p. m. 7s. 

Evening Hymn. 

1 "m/TIGHTY God ! another day 
__TJL Me hath sped along my way. 
Nearer to my grave I've come, 
Nearer to mine endless home. 

2 Thanks for life's extended length, 
For continued health and strength, 
Food and raiment, sun and air, 
Still provided by thy care ; 

3 Powers of soul and body still 
Guarded from each threat' ning ill; 
Friends to love, and good to do, 
Truth to seek, and heav'n pursue. 

4 Gracious God ! my thanks sincere 
Kindly deign in heav'n to hear. 
Bid them gush, full, warm, and free, 
From a spirit filPd with thee. 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 447 

5 Round me close the shades of night ; 
Gird me with thy presence bright. 
Darkness comes not where thou art : 
Dwell thou ever in my heart ! 

Hymn 667. p. m. 7s. 

New- Year. 

1 ~1TIT"HILE, with ceaseless course, the sun 

1 1 Hasted through the former year, 
Many souls their race have run, 

Never more to meet us here ! 
Fix'd in an eternal state, 

They have done with all below : 
We a little longer wait ; 

But how little, none can know. 

2 As the winged arrow flies, 

Speedily the mark to find; 
As the lightning from the skies 

Darts, and leaves no trace behind : 
Swiftly thus our fleeting days 

Bear us down life's rapid stream. 
Upward, Lord, our spirits raise ; 

All below is but a dream. 

3 Thanks for mercies past receive ; 

Pardon of our sins renew ; 
Teach us, henceforth, how to live 

With eternity in view. 
Bless thy word to young and old ; 

Grant us, Lord, thy peace and love ; 
And when life's short tale is told, 

May we dwell with thee above ! 

Hymn 668. c. m. 

Sun, stand thou still. Joshua x. 12. 

1 " OTAND still, refulgent orb of day !" 
k5 The Jewish victor cries : 
38* 



448 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

So shall, at last, an angel say, 
And tear it from the skies. 

2 A flame, intenser than the sun, 

Shall melt his golden urn ; 
Time's empty glass no more shall run, 
Nor human years return. 

3 Then, with immortal splendour bright, 

That glorious orb shall rise, 
Which through eternity shall light 
The new-created skies. 

4 His moral triumphs then complete, 

Jesus, our Lord, shall place 

Before his heav'nly Father's seat 

The heirs of life and grace. 

5 Unceasing flows the mortal tide ; 

Unceasing let it flow : 
If thou, O Lord, our guard and guide, 
Wilt daily grace bestow. 

6 Then, sun of nature ! roll along 

And bear our years away : 
The sooner shall we join the song 
Of everlasting day. 

Hymn 669. p. m. 7s. 

On opening a Place for Worship. 

1 T ORD of hosts, to thee we raise 

I A Here a house of pray'r and praise. 
Thou thy people's heart prepare 
Here to meet for praise and pray'r ! 

2 Let the living here be fed 

With thy word, the heav'nly bread; 
Here, in hope of glory bless' d, 
May the dead be laid to rest. 

3 Here to thee a temple stand, 
While the sea shall gird the land ! 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 449 

Here reveal thy mercy sure, 
While the sun and moon endure. 

4 Hallelujah ! — earth and sky 
To the joyful sound reply ; 
Hallelujah ! — hence ascend 
Pray'r and praise, till time shall end. 

Hymn 670. l. m. 

Dedication of a House of Worship. 

1 /A BOW thine ear, Eternal One ! 
V-r On thee our heart adoring calls; 
To thee the folFwers of thy Son 

Have rais'd, and now devote these walls. 

2 Here may thine honour dwell ; and here 

As incense, let thy children's pray'r, 
From contrite hearts, and lips sincere, 
Rise on the still and holy air. 

3 Here be thy praise devoutly sung; 

Here let thy truth beam forth to save, 
As when of old thy Spirit hung 

On wings of light, o'er Jordan's wave. 

4 And when the lips, that with thy name 

Are vocal now, to dust shall turn, 
On others may devotion's flame 
Be kindled here, and purely burn. 

Hymn 671. l. m. 

At the Ordination of a Minister. 
THOU, who art above all height ! 



■o 



Our God, our Father, and our Friend ! 
Beneath thy throne of love and light, 
Let thine adoring children bend. 

2 We join in praise, that here is set 
A vine that by thy culture grew ; 



450 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

We join in pray'r, that thou wouldst wet 
Its op'ning leaves with heav'nly dew. 

3 Since thy young servant now hath giv'n 

Himself his pow'rs, his hopes, his youth, 
To the great cause of truth and heav'n, 
Be thou his guide, O God of truth ! 

4 And may his doctrines drop like rain, 

His speech like Hermon's dew distil, 
Till green fields smile, and golden grain, 
Ripe for the harvest, wait thy will. 

5 And when he sinks in death, — by care, 

Or pain, or toil, or years oppress' d— 
O God ! remember thou our pray'r, 
And take his spirit to thy rest. 

Hymn 672. c. m. 

For a Meeting of Ministers. 
ET Zion's watchmen all awake, 



L 



And take th' alarm they give ; 
Now let us from the mouth of God 
Our solemn charge receive. 

'Tis not a cause of small import 

The pastor's care demands ; 
But what might fill an angel's heart, 

And fill'd a Saviour's hands. 

All to the great tribunal haste, 

Th' account to render there : 
And shouldst thou strictly mark our faults, 

Lord, how should we appear? 

May we, that Jesus whom we preach, 

Our own Redeemer see ! 
And watch thou daily o'er our souls, 

That we may watch for thee. 



additional hymns. 451 

Hymn 673. l. m. 

Prayer for Ministers. 

1 X71ATHER of mercies, bow thine ear, 
JO Attentive to our earnest pray'r. 
We plead for those, who plead for thee : 
Successful pleaders may they be ! 

2 How great their work ! how vast their charge, 
Do thou their anxious souls enlarge ! 

Their best acquirements are our gain; 
We share the blessings they obtain. 

3 Clothe, then, with energy divine 

Their words, and let those words be thine : 
To them thy sacred truth reveal, 
Suppress their fear, inflame their zeal. 

4 Teach them to sow the precious seed ; 
Teach them thy chosen flock to feed ; 
Teach them immortal souls to gain — 
Souls that will well reward their pain. 

5 Let thronging multitudes around 
Hear from their lips the joyful sound; 
In humble strains thy grace implore, 
And feel thy new-creating pow'r. 

6 Let sinners break their massy chains; 
Distressed souls forget their pains ; 

Let light through distant realms be spread, 
And Zion rear her drooping head. 

Hymn 674. p. m. s s & 7s. 

Prayer for a Congregation, as the Lords Vineyard. 

1 CEE the vineyard thou hast planted, 
O God of mercy, Lord of hosts ! 
Let thy people's pray'r be granted — 
Keep it safe from hostile boasts. 



452 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Hear, O hear us, when we pray — 
Keep thy vineyard night and day ! 

2 Drooping plants revive and nourish ; 

Let them thrive beneath thy hand ; 
Let the weak grow strong and flourish, 

Blooming fair at thy command; 
Let the fruitful yield thee more, 
Laden with a plenteous store. 

3 Further, Lord, be thou entreated ; 

Plant the barren waste around. 
Let thy work be thus completed, 

And no fruitless spot be found. 
Let the earth a vineyard be, 
Consecrated, Lord, to thee. 

Hymn 675. c. m. 

Remembrance of the Creator in Youth. 

1 TTN the soft season of thy youth, 
JL In nature's smiling bloom, 
Ere age arrive, and trembling wait 

Its summons to the tomb ; 

2 Remember thy Creator, God ; 

For him thy pow'rs employ; 
Make him thy fear, thy love, thy hope, 
Thy confidence, thy joy. 

3 He shall defend and guide, thy course 

Through life's uncertain sea, 
Till thou art landed on the shore 
Of blest eternity. 

4 Then seek the Lord betimes, and choose 

The path of heav'nly truth : 
The earth affords no lovelier sight 
Than a religious youth. 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 453 

Hymn 676. p. m. ios & us. 

Prayer for the Aged, 

1 fJT\ HE day is far spent, the evening is nigh, 

JL When I must lay down this body and die : 
Great God ! I surrender my dust to thy care ; 
Do thou for the summons my spirit prepare. 

2 The hours that remain, O with me abide, 
And in the dark vale of death be my guide. 
Through life's weary journey thou ever wast near; 
And in my last moments, Lord, for me appear. 

3 Though rayless the night, though starless the skies, 
Extinguish 5 d all light, and death on my eyes; 

An unclouded morning shall rise on the tomb, 
Before whose bright dawning shall vanish its gloom. 

4 O day long foretold, when wilt thou appear ? 
Thy approach I behold with hope and with fear. 
O righteous Judge, spare me; from sin set me free; 
And daily prepare me to stand before thee ! 

Hymn 677. l. m. 

The present moment, that of Decision. 
T ev'ry moment, ev'ry breath, 



'A 



Life trembles on the verge of death 
A taper's flame that upward turns, 
While downward to the dust it burns. 

A moment usher' d us to birth, 
Heirs of the commonwealth of earth. 
Moment by moment years are past ; 
And one, ere long, will be our last. 

1 Twixt that which struck us into light, 
And that which shall eclipse in night, 
There is a point no eye can see, 
Yet hangs on it eternity. 



454 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

4 God for our portion then we choose, 
Or him ungrateful then refuse. 
Where is that point of wo or bliss ? — 
Gone by ? — to come ? — no, here, — 'tis this. 

5 This is the moment, which begins ; 
Now, let us cast away our sins. 
This is the moment ; on its end, 
Will pain or paradise depend. 

6 The past is fled, the future not ; 
The present is our only lot. 

O God, henceforth our hearts incline, 
To see no other way but thine ! 

Hymn 678. l. m. 

True length of Life. 

1 ' IKE shadows gliding o'er the plain, 

I A Or clouds that roll successive on, 
Man's busy generations pass, 

And while we gaze, their forms are gone. 

2 " He lived — he died :" behold the sum, 

The abstract ofth' historian's page! 
Alike in God's all-seeing eye, 

The infant's day, the patriarch's age. 

3 O Father ! in whose mighty hand 

The boundless years and ages lie ; 
Teach us the boon of life to prize, 
And use the moments as they fly ; 

4 To crowd the narrow span of life 

With wise designs and virtuous deeds : 
So shall we wake from death's dark night, 
To share the glory that succeeds. 

Hymn 679. l. m. 

" "Why stand ye here idlel" 
1 r ■ 1 HE God of glory walks his round, 
J. From day to day, from year to year; 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 455 

And warns us each with awful sound, 
"No longer stand ye idle here." 

2 "Ye whose young cheeks are rosy bright, 

Whose hands are strong, whose hearts are clear, 
Waste not of hope the morning light ! 
Ah, fools ! why stand ye idle here % 

3 " O, as the griefs ye would assuage • 

That wait on life's declining year, 
Secure a blessing for your age, 

And work your Maker's business here. 

4 " And ye, whose locks of scanty grey 

Foretell your latest travail near ; 
How swiftly fades your worthless day ! 
And stand ye yet so idle here ? 

5 " One hour remains, there is but one ! 

But many a shriek, and many a tear 
Through bitter years the guilt must moan 
Of moments lost and wasted here !" 

6 O thou, by all thy works ador'd, 

To whom the sinner's soul is dear, 
Recall us to thy vineyard, Lord ! 

And grant us grace to please thee here ! 

Hymn 680. p. m. us. 

"I would not live alway" Job vii. 16. 

1 X WOULD not live alway : I ask not to stay, 
JL Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the 

way. 
I would not live alway : no, welcome the tomb ; 
Since Jesus hath lain there, I dread not its gloom. 

2 I would not live alway, thus fetter' d by sin; 
Temptation without, and corruption within : 
E'en the rapture of pardon is mingled with fears, 
And the cup of thanksgiving with penitent tears. 

39 



/ 



456 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

3 Who, who would live alway, away from his God, 
Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode ? 
Where the rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright 

plains, 
And the noon-tide of glory eternally reigns : 

4 Where the saints of all ages in harmony meet, 
Their Saviour and brethren transported to greet ; 
While the anthems of rapture unceasingly roll, 
And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul. 

Hymn 681. c. m. 

Impatience for Death sinful. 

1 X7S7"HY thus impatient to be gone ? 

? 1 Such wishes breathe no more : 
Let him who lock'd thy spirit in, 
When meet, unbolt the door. 

2 Why wouldst thou snatch the victor's palm, 

Before the conquest's won? 
Or wish to seize th' immortal prize, 
Ere yet the race is run 1 

3 Inglorious wish, to haste aw T ay 

And leave thy work undone ! 
To serve thy Lord, will please no less 
Than praising round the throne. 

4 Whilst thou art standing in the field, 

For bliss thou' It riper grow : 
Then wait the Lord's appointed time, 
Till he shall bid thee go. 

Hymn 682. l. m. 

Death of the Righteous. 
1 TTOW bless' d the righteous, when he dies! 
_[JL When sinks a weary soul to rest, 
How mildly beam the closing eyes ! 
How gently heaves th' expiring breast ! 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 457 

2 So fades a summer cloud away ; 

So sinks the gale, when storms are o'er; 
So gently shuts the eye of day ; 
So dies a wave along the shore. 

3 A holy quiet reigns around, 

A calm which life nor death destroys : 
Nothing disturbs that peace profound, 
Which his unfetter' d soul enjoys. 

4 Farewell, conflicting hopes and fears, 

Where lights and shades alternate dwell! 
How bright th' unchanging morn appears ! 
Farewell, inconstant world, farewell ! 

5 Life's duty done, as sinks the clay, 

Light from its load the spirit flies ; 
While heaven and earth combine to say, 
"How bless' d the righteous, when he dies !" 

Hymn 683. l. m. 

Fear of Death overcome. 

1 T* CANNOT shun the stroke of death :— 
A Lord, help me to surmount the fear ; 
That when I must resign my breath, 

Serene my summons I may hear. 

2 'Tis sin gives venom to the dart: — 

In me let ev'ry sin be slain ! 
From secret faults, Lord, cleanse my heart; 
From wilful sins my hands restrain. 

3 May I, my God, with holy zeal, 

Closely the ends of life pursue ; 
Seek thy whole pleasure to fulfil, 
And honour thee in all I do ! 

4 Let all my bliss and treasure lie, 

Where in thy light I light shall see : 
That man may freely dare to die, 
Who longs to be possess' d of thee. 



458 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

5 Say, thou art mine, and chase the gloom 
Thick hanging o'er the vale of death : 
Then shall I fearless meet my doom, 
And as a victor yield my breath. 

Hymn 684. l. m. 

Death, a blessing to the Righteous. 

1 T^ O flesh and nature dread to die ? 

mJ And tim'rous thoughts our minds enslave? 
But grace can raise our hopes on high, 
And quell the terrors of the grave. 

2 Do we not dwell in clouds below, 

And little know the God we love ? 
Why should we like this twilight so, 
When 'tis all noon in worlds above? 

3 When we put off this fleshly load, 

We're from a thousand mischiefs free; 
For ever present with our God, 

Where we have wish'd and long'd to be. 

4 No more shall pride or passion rise, 

Or envy fret, or malice roar, 
Or sorrow mourn with downcast eyes, 
And sin defile our eyes no more. 

5 'Tis best, 'tis infinitely best, 

To go where tempters cannot come ; 
Where saints and angels, ever blest, 
Dwell and enjoy their heav'nly home. 

6 O for the mighty help of God 

To drive my fears of death away, 
And aid me through this darksome road 
To realms of everlasting day ! 

Hymn 685. l. m. 

Home in view. 
1 AS when the weary traveler gains 
JLjL The height of some o'erlooking hill, 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 459 

His heart revives, if 'cross the plains 
He eyes his home, though distant still : 

2 Thus, when the Christian pilgrim views, 

By faith, his mansion in the skies, 
The sight his fainting strength renews 
And wings his speed to reach the prize. 

3 The thought of home his spirit cheers ; 

No more he grieves for troubles past ; 
Nor any future trial fears, 
So he may safe arrive at last. 

4 Father ! on thee our hopes we stay, 

To lead us on to thine abode : 
Assur'd thy love will far o'erpay 
The hardest labours of the road. 

Hymn 686. l. m. 

At the Funeral of the Righteous. 

1 TTNVEIL thy bosom, faithful tcrob ! 

vJ Take this new treasure to thy trust; 
And give these sacred relics room 
To slumber in thy silent dust. 

2 No pain, no grief, no anxious fear 

Invade thy bounds ; no mortal woes 
Can reach the peaceful sleeper here, 
While angels watch its soft repose. 

3 So Jesus slept ; God's dying Son 

Pass'd through the grave and bless' d the bed. 
Then rest, dear saint, till from his throne 
The morning break and pierce the shade. 

4 Break, sacred morning, from the skies ! 

Then, cloth' d anew in bright array, 
Immortal form ! to life arise, 

And swell the song of endless day. 
30* 



460 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Hymn 687. p. m. 7s. 

At a Funeral. 

1 /^ LAY to clay, and dust to dust ! 
\j Let them mingle — for they must! 
Give to earth the earthly clod, 

For the spirit's fled to God. 

2 Upward let us turn our view ; 
Peace is there and comfort too : 
There shall those we love be found, 
Tracing joy's eternal round. 

Hymn 688. p. m. 7 3 . 

The happy Dead. 

1 "FT" ARK ! a voice divides the sky : — 
JlI Happy are the faithful dead ! 

In the Lord who sweetly die, 

They from all their toils are freed ! 

Them the Spirit hath declar'd 
Blest, mutterably blest. 

Jesus is their great reward : 
Jesus is their endless rest. 

2 Who can now lament the lot 

Of a saint in Christ deceas'd? 
Let the world that knows us not, 

Call us hopeless and unbless'd. 
When from flesh the spirit freed 

Hastens homeward to return ; 
Mortals cry, "A man is dead ! " 

Angels sing, "A child is born ! " 

3 Born into the world above, 

They our happy brother greet ; 
Bear him to the throne of love, 

Place him at the Saviour's feet. 
Jesus smiles, and says, "Well done, 

Good and faithful servant thou ! 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 461 

Enter and receive thy crown ; 
Reign with me triumphant now ! " 

Hymn 689. s. m. 

The issues of Life and Death. 

1 f\ WHERE shall rest be found, 
V^ Rest for the weary soul % 
'Twere vain, the ocean's depths to sound, 

Or pierce to either pole. 

2 The world can never give 

The bliss for which we sigh. 
J Tis not, the whole of life to live, 
Nor all of death to die. 

3 Beyond this vale of tears, 

There is a life above, 
Unmeasur'd by the flight of years; 
And all that life is love. 

4 There is a death, whose pang 

Outlasts the fleeting breath. 
O what appalling horrors hang 
Around "the second death ! " 

5 Lord God of truth and grace ! 

Teach us that death to shun ; 
Lest we be banish' d from thy face 
And utterly undone. 

Hymn 690. p. m. 8s & 7s. 

The final Judgment. 

1 ^IREAT God! what do I see and hear! 
vJ~ The end of things created ! 
The Judge of mankind doth appear. 

On clouds of glory seated ! 
The trumpet sounds ! the graves restore 
The dead which they contain' d before I 

Prepare, my soul, to meet him ! 



462 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Hymn 691. c. m. 

The Last Account. 

1 V 1 1 HE time draws near, when thou, my soul, 

JL Thy last account must give ; 
When thy whole life shall be survey' d 
By him who bade thee live 

2 How many talents, O my God ! 

Hast thou bestow' d on me ! 
But yet how few can there be found 
Devoted, Lord, to thee ! 

3 My health, my time, my worldly store, 

And thy more precious word, 
The talents are for which I must 
Account to thee, my Lord. 

4 Much of my time, alas ! I've lost, 

And much have I mispent : 
How careless of my grand concern ! 
On trifles how intent ! 

5 may the slothful servant's doom, 

My holy care excite ! 
Each talent may I well improve, 
And in thy work delight ! 

Hymn 692. p. m. 8s & 6s. 

Expectation of Judgment. 

1 /^V GOD, mine inmost soul convert ! 
V>r And deeply on my thoughtful heart 

Eternal things impress. 
Give me to feel their solemn weight, 
And tremble on the brink of fate; 

Wake me to righteousness. 

2 Before me place in dread array 
The pomp of that tremendous day, 

When thou with clouds shalt come 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 463 

To judge the nations at thy bar; 
And tell me, Lord, shall I be there 
To meet a joyful doom? 

5 Be this my one great bus'ness here, 
With serious industry and fear 

Eternal bliss t' insure ; 
Thine utmost counsel to fulfil, 
And suffer all thy righteous will, 

And to the end endure. 

1 Then, O my God, my soul receive, 
Transported from this vale, to live 

And reign with thee above ; 
Where faith is sweetly lost in sight, 
And hope in full supreme delight 

And everlasting love. 

Hymn 693. l. m. 

The Last Day. 

1 f 1 1HAT day of wrath, that dreadful day, 

JL When heav'n and earth shall pass away, 
What pow'r shall be the sinners stay? 
How shall he meet that dreadful day ? 

2 When shriv'lling like a parched scroll, 
The flaming heav'ns together roll ; 
When louder yet, and yet more dread, 
Swells the high trump that wakes the dead : 

3 Lord ! on that day, that wrathful day, 
When man to judgment wakes from clay, 
Be thou the trembling sinner's stay, 
Though heav'n and earth shall pass away. 

Hymn 694. c. m. 

The Last Harvest 
1 FT! HE angel comes, he comes to reap 
JL The harvest of the Lord ! 
40 



464 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

O'er all the earth, with fatal sweep, 
Wide waves his flaming sword. 

2 And who are they, in sheaves to bide 

The fire of vengeance bound ? 
The tares, whose rank luxuriant pride 
Chok'd the fair crop around. 

3 And who are they, reserv'd in store 

God's treasure-house to fill? 
The wheat, a hundred fold that bore 
Amid surrounding ill. 

4 King of mercy ! grant us pow'r 

The fiery wrath to flee ! 
In thy destroying angel's hour, 
O gather us to thee ! 

Hymn 695. l. m. 

Preparation for Heaven. 

1 TTEAY'N is a place of rest from sin: 
J_JL But all who hope to enter there, 
Must here that holy course begin, 

Which shall their souls for rest prepare. 

2 Clean hearts, O God, in us create ; 

Right spirits, Lord, in us renew : 
Commence we now that higher state, 
Now do thy will as angels do. 

3 In Jesus' footsteps may we tread, 

Learn ev'ry lesson of his love; 
And be from grace to glory led, 

From heav'n below to heav'n above. 



H 



Hymn 696. p. m. s s & 7s. 

Peace and Glory of Heaven. 

EAR what God the Lord hath spoken 
O my people, faint and few, 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 465 

Comfortless, afflicted, broken — 

Fair abodes I build for you. 
Scenes of heartfelt tribulation 

Shall no more perplex your ways : , 
You shall name your walls salvation, 

And your gates shall all be praise. 

2 There, like streams that feed the garden, 

Pleasures without end shall flow ; 
For the Lord, your faith rewarding, 

All his bounty shall bestow. 
Still in undisturb'd possession, 

Peace and righteousness shall reign : 
Never shall you feel oppression, 

Hear the voice of war again. 

3 Ye, no more your suns descending, 

Waning moons no more shall see ; 
But your griefs for ever ending, 

Find eternal rest in me. 
God shall rise, and shining o'er you, 

Change to day the gloom of night : 
He, the Lord, shall be your glory, 

God your everlasting light. 

Hymn 697. c. m. 

The Heavenly Jerusalem. 

1 "JERUSALEM ! my happy home ! 
tJ' Name ever dear to me ! 
When shall my labours have an end 

In joy, and peace, and thee ? 

2 When shall these eyes thy heav'n-built walls 

And pearly gates behold % 
Thy bulwarks with salvation strong, 
And streets of shining gold % 

3 There happier bow'rs than Edens bloom, 

Nor sin nor sorrow know. 



466 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

Bless' d seats ! through rude and stormy scenes 
I onward press to you. 

4 Why should I shrink at pain and wo ? 

Or feel at death dismay? 
I've Canaan's goodly land in view, 
And realms of endless day. 

5 Apostles, prophets, martyrs there, 

Around my Saviour stand ;, 
And soon my friends in Christ below, 
Will join the glorious band. 

6 Jerusalem ! my happy home ! 

My soul still pants for thee. 
Then shall my labours have an end, 
When I thy joyc shall see. 

Hymn 698. p. m. *k. 

Revelation vii. 9 — 17. 

1 "liTS^HO are these in bright array? 

f ? This innumerable throng, 
Round the altar night and day 

Tuning their triumphant song ? 
"Worthy is the Lamb, once slain, 

Blessing, honour, glory, pow'r, 
Wisdom, riches to obtain, 

New dominion ev'ry hour." 

2 These through fiery trials trod ; 

These from great affliction came : 
Now, before the throne of God, 

Seal'd with his eternal name, 
Clad in raiment pure and white, 

Victor-palms in ev'ry hand, 
Through their great Redeemer's might 

More than conquerors they stand. 

3 Hunger, thirst, disease unknown, 

On immortal fruits they feed : 



ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 467 

Them the Lamb amidst the throne 

Shall to living fountains lead. 
Joy and gladness banish sighs ; 

Perfect love dispels their fears ; 
And for ever from their eyes 

God shall wipe away their tears. 



■w 



Hymn 699. l. m. 

Foretaste of Heaven. 
HAT must it be to dwell above, 






At God's right hand, where Jesus reigns, 
Since the sweet earnest of his love 

O'er whelms us on these earthly plains ! 
No heart can think, no tongue explain, 
What bliss it is with Christ to reign. 

When sin no more obstructs our sight, 
When sorrow pains our hearts no more, 

How shall we view the Prince of light, 
And all his works of grace explore ! 

What heights and depths of love divine 

Will there through endless ages shine ! 

This is the heav'n I long to know : 
For this with patience I would wait, 

Till, wean'd from earth and all below, 
I mount to my celestial seat, 

And wave my palm, and wear my crown, 

And with the elders cast them down. 



B 



Hymn 700. c. m. 

Re-union of the Good in ^Heaven. 
LEST hour, when virtuous friends shall meet, 



Their earthly sorrows o'er; 
And with celestial welcome greet, 
On an immortal shore ! 
40* 



468 ADDITIONAL HYMNS. 

2 The parent finds his long-lost child ; 

Brothers on brothers gaze : 
The tear of resignation mild 
Is chang'd to joy and praise. 

3 Each tender tie, dissolv'd with pain, 

With endless bliss is crown' d. 
All that was dead, revives again; 
All that was lost, is found. 

4 And while remembrance, ling' ring still, 

Draws joy from sorrowing hours ; 
New prospects rise, new pleasures fill 
The soul's expanding pow'rs. 

5 Congenial minds, array' d in light, 

High thoughts shall interchange ; 
Nor cease, with ever-new delight. 
On wings of love to range. 

6 Their Father marks the gen'rous flame, 

And looks complacent down : 
The smile, that owns their filial claim, 
Is their immortal crown. 



A TABLE 

TO FIND ANY HYMN BY THE FIRST LINE. 



ABSURD and vain attempt ! to bind - 239 

A charge to keep I have - - -415 

Again the Lord of light - 255 

Again our ears have heard the voice - - 441 

Ah ! see him writhe, and bleed, and die - 106 

Ah wretched souls, who strive in vain - - 198 

Alas ! and did my Saviour bleed - - - 106 

Alas ! what hourly dangers rise ! - - 395 

All earthly charms, however dear - 187 

All-glorious God ! what hymns of praise - - 86 

All-powerful, self-existent God 25 

All praise to thee, my God ! this night - - 271 

All-seeing God ! 'tis thine to know - - 238 

Almighty Father ! gracious Lord - - 19 

Almighty God, thy powerful word 27 

Almighty God, thy word is cast - - - 442 

Almighty God, in humble prayer - 389 

Almighty Lord of all - - - - - 151 

Amazing, beauteous change - - - 130 

Am I a soldier of the cross - - - 414 

Amidst a world of hopes and fears - - 138 

And are we now brought near to God - - 105 

And art thou with us, gracious Lord 65 

And is the Gospel peace and love 94 

And must this body die 335 

And shall we still be slaves - - - - 109 

And will the great eternal God - 287 

Angel, roll the rock away - - - - 114 

Another six days' work is done - 252 

Are not thy mercies sov' reign still - - 135 

Arise my tend' rest thoughts, arise - - 161 

As body, when the soul has fled - 422 



470 TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 

As every day thy mercy spares - 444 

As parch' d in barren sands ^ 396 

Assist us, Lord, thy name to praise - - 201 

As various as the moon - 307 

As when the weary trav'ller gains - - 458 

At every moment, every breath - 453 

Attend, my soul, with awe - - - - 175 

Attend, ye children of your God - - 260 

Author of good! we rest on thee - - - 148 

Author of life and bliss - - - 97 

A voice from the desert comes awful and shrill 362 

Awake my drowsy soul, awake, - - - 416 

Awake, my soul ! and with the sun - - 270 

Awake, my soul ! lift up thine eyes - - 165 

Awake, my soul ! rouse every power - - 222 

Awake, my soul ! stretch every nerve - 199 

Awake, our souls ! away our fears - - 198 

Awake, ye saints ! and raise your eyes - 326 

Awake, ye saints, to praise your King - - 245 

Away from every mortal care - - *■ 251 

BEFORE Jehovah's awful throne - - 1 

Begin, my soul, th' exalted lay 9 

Behold my servant, see him rise - - 363 

Behold, O Israel's God - - - - 162 

Behold, th' amazing sight - - - - 101 

Behold the bleeding Lamb of God - - 108 

Behold, the blind their sight receive - - 78 

Behold the gloomv vale - 325 

Behold i the lofty sky - - - - 141 

Behold the man ! how glorious he 369 

Behold the morning sun - - - - 140 

Behold ! the mountain of the Lord - - 376 

Behold the path which mortals tread - - 320 

Behold the Prince of Peace - - - 82 

Behold the Saviour on the cross - 369 

Behold the Saviour of mankind - - - 105 



TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 471 

Pajre 

Behold, where, breathing love - 236 

Behold, where in a mortal form 94 

Beset with snares on every hand - - - 156 

Be still, my heart ! these anxious cares - - 434 

Bless' d be th' eternal God - - - - 117 

Blessed state, and happy he - 385 

Blest are the humble souls, who see - - 196 

Blest are the undenTd in heart - - - 195 

Blest be the tie, that binds - - - - 240 

Blest hour when virtuous friends shall meet - 467 

Blest Instructor ! from thy ways -' - - 171 

Blest is the man, whose heart expands - - 237 

Blest is the man, whose heart is kind - - 232 

Blest is the mem'ry of the just - 423 

Blow ye the trumpet, blow - 399 

Bright Source of everlasting love - - 234 

By various maxims, forms, and rules - - 203 

CHILDREN, in years and knowledge young 302 

Children of the heav'nly King - - 425 

Christ, the Lord, is ris'n to-day - *- - 113 

Clay to clay, and dust to dust - 460 

Come, blessed Spirit, source of light - - 383 

Come, gracious Spirit, heavenly dove . - - 131 

Come hither, all ye weary souls 90 

Come, holy Spirit, heav'nly Dove - - - 132 

Come, let our mournful songs record 99 

Come, let our voices join to raise - 246 

Come let us join our cheerful songs - - 103 

Come, let us join our souls to God - - 261 

Come, let us lift our voices high - - - 101 

Come, let us search our ways and try - - 230 

Come, Lord, and warm each languid heart - 346 

Come, said Jesus' sacred voice 89 

Come, sound his praise abroad 8 

Come, thou fount of way blessing - - 428 

Come to the house of prayer - 439 



472 TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 

Page 

Come, weary souls, with sin distrest - - 91 

Come, ye disconsolate, where'er you - - 431 

Come, ye that love the Lord - - - 179 

Consider all my sorrows, Lord - - - 291 

Courage my soul ! while God is near - -221 

DAUGHTERS of pity, tune the lay - 237 

Diseases are thy servants. Lord - - 293 

Do flesh and nature dread to die ? - - 458 

Dost thou may worthless name record - - 197 

EARLY, my God, without delay - - 251 

Eat, drink, in mem'ry of your friend - 262 

Enough of life's vain scenes I've trod - - 411 

Eternal and immortal King - - - - 211 

Eternal God, almighty cause ... 209 

Eternal God ! how frail is man - 332 

Eternal Power ! whose high abode - - 353 

Eternal Sire, enthron'd on high - 305 

Eternal Source of ev'ry joy 48 

Eternal Spirit, Source of light - - - 136 

Exert thy pow'r, thy rights maintain - - 379 

FAITH adds new charms to earthly bliss 202 

Far from these scenes of night - - 343 

Far from the world, O Lord ! I flee - - 431 

Far from thy fold, O Lord, my feet - - 406 

Far hence each superstition vain - 144 

" Father divine," the Saviour cried 96 

Father, I bless thy gentle hand - 309 

Father of all ! eternal mind - - - - 147 

Father of all ! my soul defend - 333 

Father of all ! whose cares extend - - 1 50 

Father of all, whose so v' reign will - - 437 

Father of eternal grace - - - - 416 

Father of Jesus Christ, my Lord - - - 116 

Father of lights ! we sing thy name - - 357 

Father of men ! thy care we bless - - 242 



TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 473 

Page 

Father of mercies ! bow thine ear - - 451 

Father of mercies, God of love - -• - 151 

Father of mercies, in thy word - - - 143 

Father of our feeble race - - - 233 

Father! thy paternal care - 359 

Firm was my health, my day was bright - 295 

For ever blessed be the Lord - - - 1 35 

Forgive, Lord, for thy mercy's sake - - 404 

Forsake, my soul ! the tents of sin - - 182 

Forth from the dark and stormy sky - - 403 

Frequent the day of God returns - 254 

From all that dwell below the skies - - 4 

From ev'ry stormy wind that blows - - 430 

From ev'ry thought and wish impure - - 394 

From Greenland's icy mountains - - 377 

From north and south, from east and west - 345 

From this world's joys and senseless mirth - 349 

GIVE me the wings of faith, to rise - - 373 

Give thanks to God most high 76 

Give to our God immortal praise - - - 4 

Give to the Lord, ye sons of fame - - 26 

Give to the winds thy fears 60 

Glorious things of thee are spoken - - 381 

Glory be to God on high 7 

Glory be to God on high - - - - 11 

Glory to God, who reigns above - - - 364 

God, in the gospel of his Son - - 1 46 

God is a Spirit, just and wise 33 

God is the refuge of his saints - - - 59 

God moves in a mysterious way - 57 

God, my supporter and my hope - - - 154 

God of eternity ! from thee - - - - 321 

God of mercy! God of grace - - - 171 

God of my life, through all its days - - 216 

.God of my mercy, and my praise - - 96 

God of our lives ! thy constant care - - 275 



474 



TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 



Page 

God of the morning, at whose voice - - 444 

God reigns ; events in order flow - - - 362 

God, to correct the world - 279 

God, who is just and kind - - - - 136 

Go to dark Gethsemane - 373 

Grace, 'tis a charming sound - 43 

Greatest of beings, source of life 55 

Great Father of mankind - 248 

Great Framer of unnumber'd worlds - - 282 

Great God, arise, and shine - - • 128 

Great God, at whose all-pow'rful call - - 51 

Great God, how infinite art thou 24 

Great God, indulge my humble claim - - 154 

Great God, in vain man's narrow view 22 

Great God of wonders, all thy ways - - 356 

Great God ! our joyful thanks to thee - - 216 

Great God ! the nations of the earth - - 127 

Great God ! thy peerless excellence - - 2 1 

Great God ! we sing that mighty hand - - 274 

Great God ! what do 1 see and hear - - 461 

Great God, whilst I thy love admire - - 235 

Great God ! whose all-pervading eye - - 192 

Great God ! whose universal sway - - 1 27 

Great Lord of angels ! we adore - 289 

Great Ruler of all nature's frame - - - 313 

Great Ruler of the earth and skies 59 

Great Source of life, our souls confess - - 17 

Great was the day, the joy was great - - 124 

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah - - 392 

HAD I the tongues of Greeks and Jews - 193 

Had not the Lord, may Israel say - 285 

Hail, great Creator, wise and good 46 

Hail, happy morn ! whose early ray - - 256 

Hail to the heavenly pow'r which broke - 370 

Hail to the Lord's anointed - 365 

Happiness ! thou lovely name ... 390 



TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 475 

Page 

Happy is he, whose early years - 303 

Happy the heart, where graces reign - - 214 

Happy the man, whose wishes climb - - 207 

Happy the man, whose cautious steps - - 436 

Happy the men, whom strength divine - - 24H> 

Hark ! a voice divides the sky - 460 

Hark ! from on high a solemn voice - - 329 

Hark ! from the tombs a doleful sound - - 316 

Hark, the glad sound, the Saviour comes - 69 

Hark ! the song of Jubilee - 380 

Hark ! the voice of love and mercy - - 102 

Hark ! 'tis our heavenly Leader's voice - 110 

Hark ! what celestial notes - - 71 

Hark ! what mean those holy voices - - 363 

Hasten, sinner, to be wise - 398 

Hear what God the Lord hath spoken - - 464 

Heaven is a place of rest from sin - - 464 

Heaven has confirm' d the great decree - 335 

He dies, the Friend of sinners dies - - 112 

Heirs of unending life - 385 

Here, in a world of doubts - 389 

High in the heavens, eternal God - - 11 

High let us swell our tuneful notes 72 

Holy and rev' rend is the name - 32 

Holy Ghost ! dispel our sadness - - 383 

Holy, holy, holy Lord 8 

Hosannah ! let us join to sing - - - 1 1 7 

Hosannah to the Son - - - - 104 

Hosannah with a cheerful sound - 268 

How are thy servants blest, O Lord - - 67 

How beauteous are their feet - - - 81 
How bless' d the man, how more than bless' d 186 

"How bless' d the righteous, when he dies - 456 

How bless' d the sacred tie, that binds - - 241 

How did my heart rejoice, to hear - - 244 
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord 424 

How gracious and how wise - 308 

41 



476 



TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 



How happy is the man, who hears 

How long shall death, the tyrant, reign 

How long shall dreams of creature bliss 

How oft, alas ! this wretched heart 

How precious is the book divine - 

How rich are thy provisions, Lord 

How rich thy gifts, Almighty King 

How shall the young secure their hearts 

How still and peaceful is the* grave 

How sweetly flow'd the gospel sound 

How swift the torrent rolls - 

How various and how new - 

How vast is the tribute I owe 

How well our great Preserver knows - 

How wond' rous and great thy works, God of pr 

I CANNOT shun the stroke of death 
I love the Lord; he heard my cries - 
I love the volumes of thy word 
I love thy Zion, Lord - 
I want a principle within - 
I would not live alway : I ask not to stay 
If all our hopes and all our fears - - „ 
If high or low our station be 
If solid happiness we prize - 
I'll praise my Maker, whilst I've breath 
Immortal God ! on thee we call - 
Imposture shrinks from light 
Indulgent Father ! how divine 
Indulgent God ! whose bounteous care - 
Indulgent God, with pitying eye - 
In glad amazement, Lord, I stand 
In raptures let our hearts ascend - 
In sleep's serene oblivion laid 
In sweet exalted strains - - r 
Interval of grateful shade - - 
In the soft season of thy youth 



- 188 

- 332 

- 160 

- 402 

- 145 

- 265 

- 277 

- 387 

- 325 

- 366 

- 319 

- 177 

- 294 

- 310 
aise 352 

- 457 

- 295 

- 141 

- 245 

- 190 

- 455 

- 412 

- 229 

- 225 

5 

- 77 

- 221 

- 10 

- 272 

- 162 

- 17 

- 119 

- 269 

- 287 

- 273 

- 452 



TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 477 



Pasre 



In vain my roving thoughts would find - - 157 

In vain opposing nations rage - 277 

In vain would boasting reason find - - 204 

Is there on earth a nobler name - 367 

JERUSALEM, my happy home - - 465 

Jesus ! and shall it ever be - - - 205 

Jesus ! I my cross have taken - - - 4l3 

Jesus invites his saints - 253 

Jesus is gone above the skies - - 264 

Jesus, our triumphant head - - - - 120 

Jesus shall reign, where'er the sun - - 126 

Jesus, when faith with fixed eyes - - - 371 

Join all the glorious names 83 

Joy to the world, the Lord is come 73 

LADEN with guilt, and full of fears - 145 

Let all the heathen writers join - - 142 

Let a v' rice, borne from shore to shore - - 143 

Let coward guilt, with pallid fear 68 

Let ev'ry ear attend ----- 90 

Let ev'ry tongue thy goodness speak - - 48 

Let others boast how strong they be 63 

Let others boast their ancient line - - 410 

Let party names no more - - - 239 

Let Pharisees of high esteem - 231 

Let sorrow, Lord, my bosom fill - - - 200 

Let the high heavens your songs invite - 47 

Let the whole race of creatures lie 52 

Let Zion's watchmen all awake - - 450 

Life is a span, a fleeting hour - 299 

Like shadows gliding o'er the plain - - 454 

Lo ! he comes, from heav'n descending - 123 

Lo ! he cometh ! countless trumpets - - 339 

Lo ! what a pleasing sight - 243 

Long as I live, I'll bless thy name - - 12 

Lord, all I am is known to thee 29 

Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing - - 257 



478 TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 

Paere 

Lord, dost thou show a corner-stone - - 204 

Lord, for ever at thy side - 422 

Lord God of armies, who can boast - - 353 

Lord, in this vale of tears - - - - 315 

Lord of hosts, to thee we raise ... 448 

Lord of my life ! O may thy praise - - 268 

Lord of the harvest, God of grace - - 387 

Lord of the sabbath ! hear our vows - - 253 

Lord of the sea ! thy potent sway - - 359 

Lord of the worlds above - 247 

Lord, should we leave thy hallow' d feet - 367 

Lord, teach us how to pray aright - - 401 

Lord, thou hast search' d and seen me through 28 

Lord, thou wilt hear me when I pray - 273 

Lord ! 'tis a pleasant thing to stand - - 249 

Lord ! we adore thy wondrous name - - 324 

Lord! we have wander' d from thy way - 174 

Lord, what is man? Extremes how wide - 357 

Lord ! what our ears have heard - - 259 

Lord, when iniquities abound - - - 166 

Lord, when our raptur'd thought surveys - 3 

Lord, with glowing heart, I'd praise thee - 405 

Love divine, all love excelling ... 427 

MAKER, and So v' reign Lord - - 125 

Man has a soul of vast desires - - 158 

Mark the soft falling snow - - - 133 

Mark ! when tempestuous winds arise - - 224 

May the grace of Christ, our Saviour - - 442 

Mighty God ! another day - - - 446 

Mistaken souls, that dream of heav'n - - 208 

Must friends and kindred droop and die - 298 

My dear Redeemer, and my Lord 93 

My Father ! cheering name - - - 217 

My God ! and is thy table spread - - 266 

My God, how endless is thy love - - 267 

My God, I thank thee ! may no thought - 435 



TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 479 

Pa#e 

My God, my everlasting hope ... 305 

My God, my hope ! if thou art mine - - 314 

My God, my life, thy various praise 2 

My God, my portion, and my love - - 153 

My God, my strength, my hope - - 419 

My God, permit me not to be - - - 228 

My God, the steps of pious men - 498 

My God, the visits of thy face - - - 156 

My God, thy boundless love I praise 38 

My God, what blessings round me shone - 20 

My God, whose all-pervading eye - - 312 

My gracious God, accept my pray'r - - 225 

My gracious God, I own thy right - - 417 

My heart and ways, O God 29 

My hope, my portion, and my God - - 134 

My Maker, and my King - - - - 15 

My soul, before thy Maker bow - - - 210 

My soul, praise the Lord - - - - 14 

My soul, repeat his praise 41 

My soul, the awful hour will come - - 293 

My soul, with patience wait - - - . 405 

My spirit looks to God alone - 434 

My waken' d soul, extend thy wings - - 336 

1VTAKED as from the earth we came - 310 

_L 1 No, I'll repine at death no more - 334 

Nor eye hath seen, nor ear hath heard - 342 

Not all the nobles df the earth - - - 182 

Not by the terrors of a slave - - - 418 

Not from relentless fate's dark womb - - 61 

Not to the terrors of the Lord - 345 

Now begin the heav'nly theme - - - - 88 

Now be that sacrifice survey'd - - 109 

.Now I have found the ground wherein 87 

Now, in the heat of youthful blood - - 303 

Now, in the hour of deep distress - - 98 

Now let a true ambition rise - 347 

41* 



480 



TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 



Now let my soul with transport rise 

Now let our drooping hearts revive 

Now let our songs address the God of peace «■ 

Now let our voices join 

Now let us raise our cheerful strains 

Now may he, who from the dead 

Now may the God of grace and pow'r - 

Now to the Lord a noble song ... 

O BLESSED souls are they - 
O bless the Lord, my soul - 
O bow thine ear, Eternal One 
O come, behold a scene of dread - 
O draw me, Father ! after thee - 
Of justice and of truth 1 sing 
Oft have I turn'd mine eye within 
O from the world's vile slavery - 
O God, accept the sacred hour 
O God, how free thy mercies flow 
O God, mine inmost soul convert - 
O God, my Saviour and my King - 
O God of Jacob, by whose hand - 
O happiness, thou pleasing dream 
O happy day, that stays my choice 
O happy soul that lives on high 
O hear me, Lord ! on thee I call - 
Oh, help us, Lord, each hour of need 
O ! how my fears the dangers move 
O Lord ! my best desires fulfil - 
O Lord, our fathers oft have told - 
O Lord, our heavenly King ... 

One there is, above all others - - 
On Judah's plains as shepherds sat 
On wings of faith, mount up, my soul, and rise 
Oppressed with guilt, or grie£ or care - 
Oh, praise ye the Lord, his greatness proclaim 
Oh, praise ye the Lord ! prepare a new song 



Page 

110 

291 

286 
180 
107 
442 

282 
82 

176 
16 
449 
280 
392 
242 
227 
428 
443 
355 
462 
231 
149 
185 
419 
183 
301 
394 
164 
218 
281 
18 
88 
71 
344 
169 
352 
5 



TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 481 

Page 

O Spirit of the living God .... 378 

O that the Lord would guide my ways - - 139 

O the delights, the heavenly joys - - - 1 23 

O thou, before whose gracious throne - - 290 

Oh, thou, by long experience tried - - 354 

O thou, from whom all goodness flows - - 393 

O thou that hear' st when sinners cry - - 168 

O thou, the wretched' s sure retreat - - 4l 

O thou, to whose all-searching sight - - 155 

O thou, who art above all heights - - 449 

O thou who hast at thy command - - 421 

O thou, whose scales the mountains weigh - 223 

O thou, whose tender mercy hears - - 172 

O 'tis a lovely thing to see - . - 223 

O turn, great Ruler of the skies - - - 174 

Our country is Immanuel's ground - - 199 

Our Father, thron'd above the sky - - 213 

Our God ! our help in ages past - - - 323 

Our souls with pleasing wonder view - 40 

O what stupendous mercy shines - 234 

O where shall rest be found - - - 461 

O Zion, tune thy voice - ■» - 129 

PARENT of all, omnipotent - - - 240 

Parent of good ! thy works of might - 215 

Peace, all ye sorrows of the heart - - 119 

Peace, my complaining heart - - - 292 

Peace ! the welcome sound proclaim - - 286 

People of the living God - 402 

Perpetual source of light and grace - - 170 

Pity the nations, O our God - - 267 

Praise, everlasting praise, be paid - - 421 

Praise, happy land ! Jehovah's name - - 276 

Praise to God, immortal praise - 306 

Praise to God, the great Creator - 252 

Praise to the Lord of boundless might - - 137 

Praise to the Lord, who bows his ear - - 284 



482 TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 

Page 

Praise ye the Lord! 'tis good to raise 33 

Praise ye the Lord ! who reigns above - -74 

" Proclaim," said Christ, "God's wondrous grace 258 

Providence, profusely kind - 308 

QUIET, Lord, my froward heart - - 432 

RAISE, thoughtless sinner, raise thine eye 167 

Raise your triumphant songs - - 70 

Rejoice, the Lord is King - - - - 122 

Rejoice, ye shining worlds on high - - 118 

Remark, my soul ! the narrow bounds - - 275 

Return, my roving heart, return - - - 229 

Return, my soul, unto thy rest - - - 401 

Rise, my soul, and stretch thy wings - - 424 

SAFELY though another week - - 439 

Salvation, O the joyful sound 86 

Searcher of hearts ! to thee - - - 173 

Seacher of hearts ! to thee are known - - 354 

See how he lov'd ! exclaim' d the Jews - - 368 

See Israel's gentle Shepherd stand - - 259 

See the vineyard thou hast planted - - 451 

See what a living stone - - - - 115 

Shall I forsake that heav'nly friend - - 205 

Shew pity, Lord! O Lord, forgive - - 167 

Shine on our souls, eternal God - - - 66 

Should famine o'er the mourning field - - 314 

Sing to the Lord, who loud proclaims - - 207 

Sing, ye redeemed of the Lord - - - 407 

Sinner, art thou still secure - - - - 397 

Sinners! the voice of God regard - - - 159 

Sleep, sleep to-day, tormenting cares - - 441 

So let our lips and lives express - - - 169 

Sometimes a light surprises - 433 

Songs of immortal praise belong - - 31 

Songs of praise the angels sang - - - 351 

Sons of Adam join to raise 75 



TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 483 

. . Pa s e 

Sov' reign of life, I own thy hand - - - 296 

Sov' reign Ruler of the skies - - - 360 

Spirit of truth, on this thy day - - - 381 

Spring up, my soul, with ardent flight - - 340 

Stand still, refulgent orb of day - - - 447 

Supreme and universal light - - - - 192 

Sure the blest Comforter is nigh - - - 138 

Sure there's a righteous God 62 

Sweet is the friendly voice which speaks - 175 

Sweet is the mem'ry of thy grace - 39 

Sweet is the work, my God, my King - - 254 

Sweet peace of conscience, heav'nly guest - 404 

Teach me, my God and King ... 429 

Teach me, O teach me, Lord, thy way - 139 

Teach me the measure of my days - - 317 

Thanks for mercies past receive - - - 257 

That awful hour will soon appear - - - 319 

That day of wrath, that day of dread - - 463 

The angel comes, he comes to reap - - 463 

The darken 7 d sky, how thick it low'rs - - 311 

The day approaches, O my soul - - - 337 

The day is far spent, the ev'ning is nigh - 453 

The day is pass'd and gone - 445 

The evils that beset our path - - - 312 

Th' eternal Sov' reign from on high * «■ 78 

Thee we adore, eternal name - - - 318 

The glorious universe around - > - 438 

The God of glory walks his round - - 454 

The God of glory sends his summons forth - 337 

The God of love will sure indulge - - 297 

The God, who once to Israel spoke - - 1 1 1 

The heart, dejected, sighs to know - - 35 

The hour of my departure's come - - 330 

The King of heaven his table spreads - - 92 

The Lord, how fearful is his name - - 53 

The Lord, how kind are all his ways - - 173 



484 TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 

Page 

The Lord, how tender is his love - - - 361 

The Lord into his vineyard comes - - 166 

The Lord in Zion plac'd his name - - 248 

The Lord my pasture shall prepare 66 

The Lord my Shepherd is - - - - 358 

The Lord of glory reigns supremely great - 54 

The Lord of life with glory crown' d - - 121 

The Lord the Judge, his churches warns - 338 

The Lord will come ! the earth shall quake - 376 

The man is ever blest - - - - 163 

The man, whose firm and equal mind - - 227 

The mighty deep gives up her trust - - 340 

The morning dawns upon the place - - 372 

The morning flow'rs display their sweets - 323 

The promises 1 sing - - - - 36 

The promise of my Father's love - - 266 

There is a glorious world on high - - 186 

There is a God, all nature speaks - - 45 

There is a land of pure delight - 348 

The righteous Lord, supremely great - - 426 

The rising morn, the closing day 50 

The Saviour calls ; let ev'ry ear - 92 

The Saviour, ere he breath' d - - - 382 

The Saviour, what a noble flame - - - 100 

The Son of God goes forth to war - - 374 

The spacious firmament on high - - 44 

The Spirit, in our hearts, - 399 

The swift-declining day - - - - 321 

The time draws near, when thou, my soul - 462 

The traveller lost in night - - - • - 178 

They, that have made their refuge God - 164 

They, who on the Lord rely -..-.-■-- 446 

Thine influence, Lord! is felt - - - 132 

This child we dedicate to thee - 443 

This feast was Jesus' high behest - - 262 

This is the day the Lord hath made - - 255 

Those happy realms of joy and peace - - 348 



TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 485 

Page 

Thou art my portion, O my God - - - 194 

Though nature's voice you must obey - - 301 

Thou hidden love of God, whose height - 214 

Thou, Lord, by mortal eyes unseen - 80 

Thou, Lord, through every changing scene - 316 
Thou pow' r supreme, by whose command we live ] 5 

Thou suit'st, O Lord, thy righteous ways - 35 

Thrice happy souls, who, born of heav'n - 211 

Through all the changing scenes of life - 409 

Through all the various shifting scene - 56 

Through shades and solitudes profound - - 41 1 

Th' uplifted eye and bended knee - - 193 

Thus far on life's perplexing path - - 391 

Thus far the Lord has led me on - - - 272 

Thus God th' eternal Father, spake - - 126 

Thus shalt thou love th' almighty Lord - 427 

Thus spake the Saviour, when he sent - - 2S9 

Thy ceaseless, unexhausted love 37 

Thy gracious favour, Lord ! display - - 284 

Thy presence, everlasting God - 257 

'Tis by the faith of joys to come - 202 

'Tis finish'd! so the Saviour cried - - 103 

To calm the sorrows of the mind - - 61 

Together let us plead • 400 

To God, of every good the spring, - - 366 

To God, the only wise - - - - 134 

To heaven, my longing soul ! aspire - - 342 

To keep the lamp alive, - 384 

To-morrow, Lord is thine - - - - 322 

To thee, let my first off' rings rise - - 270 

To thee, my God ! my days are known - 30 

To thee, O God ! my prayer ascends - - 152 

To thee, O God ! we homage pay 80 

To those who fear and trust the Lord 75 

To your Creator God 6 

Triumphant, Lord ! thy goodness reigns^ - 38 

Twas by an order from the Lord - - 147 



V 



486 TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 

Pa ?e 

'Twas for our sake, eternal God 99 

'Twas God who hurl'd the rolling spheres - 27 

'Twas on that dreadful, doleful night - - 261 

UNGRATEFUL, mortal, whence this scorn 397 

Unite, my roving thoughts, unite - - 408 

Unveil thy hosom, faithful tomb - 459 

Up to the Lord who reigns on high - 42 

Upward I lift mine eyes 63 

AST are thy works almighty Lord - 58 

Vital spark of heavenly flame - - 331 

WEAK and irresolute is man - - 395 

Weary of these low scenes of night - 313 

We feel thine awful chast'ning rod - - 280 

Welcome, sweet day of rest ... 440 

Welcome, the hope of Israel's race 74 

We praise the Lord for heavenly bread - 265 

We sing th' almighty pow'r of God - - 46 

We sing the wise, the gracious plan - 85 

What cheering words are these - - - 413 

What eyes like thine, eternal Sire 34 

What glory gilds the sacred page - - 145 

What mean these jealousies and fears - - 206 

What must it be to dwell above - - - 467 

What sinners value, I resign - - - 334 

What strange perplexities arise - - 190 

What various hindrances we meet - - 430 

What works of wisdom, pow'r, and love - 79 

When Abra'm full of sacred awe - - 283 

When all the pow'rs of nature fail - - 328 

When all thy mercies, O my God 20 

When before thy throne we kneel - - 441 

When blooming youth is snatch' d away - 299 

When darkness long has veil'd my mind - 206 

When death appears before my sight - - 327 

When gloomy thoughts and fears - - 185 



TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 487 

Page 

When God reveal' d his gracious name - - 176 

When I can read my title clear - - - 181 

When Israel through the desert passed - 386 

When in the light of faith divine - - - 158 

When I with curious eyes survey - - 31 

When Jesus dwelt in mortal clay - 95 

When life's tempestuous storms are o'er - 329 

When Lord, to this our western land - - 379 

When o'er the trodden paths of life - - 297 

When overwhelmed with grief - - - 220 

When present surf' rings pain my heart - - 218 

When rising from the bed of death - 169 

Wherefore should man, frail child of clay - 226 

Where high the heav'nly temple stands - - 121 

Wherewith shall I approach the Lord - - 249 

While beauty clothes the fertile vale 50 

While some in folly's pleasures roll - - 184 

While sounds of war are heard around - - 278 

While thee I seek, protecting Power - - 212 

While to the grave our friends are borne - 327 

While, with ceaseless course, the sun - - 447 

Whilst sinners, who presume to bear - - 195 

Who are these in bright array - 466 

Who, gracious Father ! can complain 56 

Who is this that comes from Edom - - 371 

Whom have we, Lord, in heaven but thee - 388 

Who shall against the Lord prevail - - 161 

Who shall ascend thy heavenly place - - 191 

Why is my heart with grief opprest - - 220 

Why mournest thou, my anxious soul - - 436 

Why should this world delight us so - - 341 

Why sinks my weak, desponding mind - - 219 

Why thus impatient to be gone - 456 

Why will ye lavish out your years - - 159 

With ecstacy of joy 84 

With" eye impartial, heav'ns high Kong - - 34 

With humble heart and tongue - - - 304 

42 



4SS TABLE OF FIRST LINES. 

Page 

With joy we lift our eyes - - - 250 

With songs and honours sounding loud - - 49 

With transport, Lord ! we view the page - 183 

Worthy is he, that once was slain - - 104 

YE faithful souls, who Jesus know - - 375 

Ye foil' were of the Prince of Peace - 263 

Ye golden lamps of heav'n ! farewell - - 344 

Ye humble souls, approach your God - - 2 

Ye humble souls, complain no more - 187 

Ye humble souls, that seek the Lord - - 1 1 3 

Ye mourning saints, whose streaming tears - 300 

Ye servants of the Lord .... 200 

Ye sons of men, in sacred lays 24 

Ye subjects of the Lord, proclaim 54 

Yes, the Redeemer rose - - - - 1 1 5 

Ye trembling souls ! dismiss your fears - - 180 

Ye weak inhabitants of clay - - 23 

Ye works of God ! on him alone - - 13 



z 



EAL is that pure and heavenly flame - 417 



LITURGY 



FOR THE USE OF 



EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES. 



NEW AND ENLARGED EDITION. 



Published by order of the Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of 

the State of New- York. 



NEW-YORK : 

PRINTED AND SOLD BY HENRY LUDWIG, 

Comer of Greenwich and Vesey-streets. 

1834. 



CONTENTS 



Sec. I. Four Forms of Confession of Sin, and four 
other Introductory Prayers. 

II. Eight general Prayers.* 

III. Five Prayers for Festival Occasions. 

IV. Six Prayers after Sermon. 

V. Scriptural Benedictions for the conclusion of 

Public Worship. 

VI. A table of selections from the Scriptures, com- 

monly called the " Gospels and Epistles." 

VII. The Ministration of Baptism to Infants. 

VIII. The Ministration of Baptism to such as are 

of riper years. 

IX. Order of Confirmation. 

X. Order of the Service preparatory to the 

Celebration of the Lord's Supper. 

XI. The Administration of the Lord's Supper. 

XII. A Form for the Consecration of a Church. 

XIII. A Form for the Ordination of a Minister. 

XIV. A Form for the Inauguration of the Ruling 

Officers of a Congregation. 

XV. The Solemnization of Matrimony. 

XVI. The Burial of the Dead. 



* If any of these Prayers should be considered too long to be used 
at once, it may be easily divided into two part9 : the first to be used 
before, and the second after Sermon. 



A LITURGY, &a 



SECTION I. 

FOUR FORMS OF CONFESSION OF SIN, and 
FOUR OTHER PRAYERS, proper to be used 
in the Morning Service, immediately after its in- 
troduction by the singing of a Hymn. 

1. 

DEARLY beloved, the holy scriptures declare, that 
when the wicked man turneth away from his wicked- 
ness, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he 
shall save his soul alive. The sacrifices of God 
are a broken and a contrite heart. To the Lord 
belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have 
rebelled against him. Let us, therefore, arise, and 
confess our sins unto our Father, with sincere, 
humble, and obedient hearts, that we may obtain 
remission of the same by his infinite goodness and 
mercy. 

Almighty and most merciful Father, unto whom 
all hearts are open and all desires are known, all 
whose commandments are just, necessary, and good ! 
we confess unto thee, that we have erred and stray- 
ed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have fol- 
lowed too much the devices and desires of our 
own hearts. We have offended against thy holy 
laws. We have left undone those things which 
we ought to have done; and we have done those 
things which we ought not to have done. But enter 

42* 



/ 



4 INTRODUCTORY PRAYERS. 

not, we beseech thee, into judgment with us ; for in 
thy sight shall no man living be justified. As thou 
hatest nothing which thou hast made, and desirest 
not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may 
turn from his wickedness and live, — have mercy, 
O Lord, upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou 
those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore 
thou those who are truly penitent, according to 
thy gracious promises declared unto mankind in 
Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful 
Father, that we may hereafter live a godly, right- 
eous, and sober life, to the glory of thy holy name, 
through thy blessed Son, our Mediator and Redeem- 
er. Amen. 

2. 

DEARLY beloved, " If we say that we have no sin, 
we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 
But if we confess (and forsake) our sins, God is 
faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse 
us from all unrighteousness." Encouraged by this 
merciful assurance of his word, let us renounce every 
evil thought and way, and with penitent and humble 
hearts implore the forgiveness of all our transgres- 
sions. 

Holy, holy, holy art thou, Lord God Almighty, 
the merciful Ruler, the righteous Judge of all thine 
intelligent creatures in heaven and on earth ! Thou 
dwellest in a light unto which no man can approach, 
and canst not look with pleasure upon sin. We con- 
fess unto thee, the Searcher of hearts, that we are 
justly chargeable with numerous transgressions and 
omissions of duty. We acknowledge with sorrow 
and repentance, that we have been unmindful of thy 
goodness, and disobedient to thy laws^that we have 
cherished evil dispositions, inordinate affections, and 



INTRODUCTORY PRAYERS. 5 

sinful passions ; and that we have rendered ourselves 
obnoxious to thy displeasure, and deserving of the 
punishments due to the guilty. O Lord, righteous- 
ness belongeth unto thee; but unto us shame and 
confusion of face. Our only hope is in thy tender 
mercy ; and we praise thee, that thou hast graciously 
revealed to us thy readiness to receive into favour 
all who cease to do evil and learn to do well. In the 
name of thy Son Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent 
into the world to save us from our sins and miseries, 
we implore the forgiveness of all our offences ; se- 
riously renouncing whatever is contrary to thy will, 
and sincerely resolving to follow after holiness of 
heart and life. Vouchsafe to direct and assist us by 
thy Spirit, in carrying these purposes into effect. 
And grant, O thou God of compassion, that our 
hearts may be established in the love and fear of 
thee, in a cheering sense of thy goodness, and in a 
joyful hope of everlasting life and happiness, through 
the mediation of our crucified and exalted Saviour, 
Jesus Christ. Amen. 



DEARLY beloved, " He who covereth his sins, shall 
not prosper ; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh his 
sins, shall obtain mercy." 

" I will arise and go to my Father, and will say 
unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and be- 
fore thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son." 

O Almighty God and most merciful Father, whose 
eyes are open upon all the ways of the children of 
men ! with simplicity and godly sincerity would we 
seek thee, confessing our great unthankfulness and 
our manifold offences. We deplore the errors and 
trespasses which we have at any time committed, in 



6 INTRODUCTORY PRAYERS. 

thought or feeling, in word or deed, against each 
other and against thee. And we beseech thee, 
through thy mercy in Jesus Christ thy Son, to look 
graciously upon us and forgive us ; to assist us to 
lay aside every weight and the sins which so easily 
beset us : and to enable us to subdue all our desires 
and passions to the obedience of thy holy gospel. 
May we be convinced, O God, that till we know 
thee, we know nothing aright : that without thy friend- 
ship, we have nothing of any worth ; that in wander- 
ing from thee, we leave all that is truly good. Help 
us to cast ourselves into thine arms of love, and to 
offer up to thee our bodies and our souls, that they 
may be thy temple for ever. Let it please thee, O 
Lord, to take us into thy keeping, with all that we 
have ; and so to strengthen us, that nothing hencefor- 
ward, either in life or death, may separate us from 
thy service and deprive us of thy favour. And unto 
thee, who art waiting to be gracious, and art exalted 
to show mercy to the penitent, be everlasting honour 
and praise. Amen. 



4 

" THUS saith the high and lofty One, that inhabiteth 
eternity, whose name is Holy : I dwell in the high 
and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite 
and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, 
and to revive the hearts of the contrite ones." " Rend 
your hearts, and not your garments, and turn unto 
the Lord your God : for he is gracious and merciful, 
slow to anger, and of great kindness." 

O God, the Father of all being, and source of all 
good, whom, by numberless ties of gratitude, duty, and 
interest, we are bound to love and obey ! we come 
into thy presence, acknowledging our unworthiness 



INTRODUCTORY PRAYERS. 7 

of thy favours, and our transgressions of thy laws. 
We would lament with heartfelt contrition, that we 
have failed to make a just improvement of the talents 
committed to our care, and have often neglected to 
fulfil our obligations to thee, to ourselves, and to our 
fellow-creatures. We confess the vanity of our 
thoughts, the irregularitv of our affections, the weak- 
ness of our good resolutions, the deficiency of our 
best performances, in numberless instances. We 
desire to abase ourselves before thee in the dust ; we 
implore the remission of all our iniquities ; we fly to 
the hope which thou hast set before us in the gospel 
of thy blessed Son ; and we pray thee, for thy good- 
ness' sake, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, 
and to enable us to walk in newness of life. Help 
us, O Lord, to be continually aware, in the time to 
come, of the deceitfulness of sin, to shun its ap- 
proaches, and to fly from its snares. Make us dili- 
gent in the discharge of every office of piety and 
virtue, incumbent upon us. And give us grace so to 
trust in thy promises, that we may live and die in the 
humble and joyful expectation of thy mercy unto eter- 
nal life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. 
Amen. 



5. 

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who art the au- 
thor of every good and perfect gift ; what fervent 
gratitude do we owe to thee for the privilege of 
assembling together in thy house, of holding com- 
munion with thee, of confirming our faith in thy 
blessed Son, and of nourishing our souls with the 
bread of eternal life ! How rich is the provision, 
which thou hast been pleased to make for the sup- 
ply of all our spiritual wants ! Accept, we beseech 
thee, the thankful acknowledgements of our hearts 



8 INTRODUCTORY PRAYERS. 

for the ordinances of thy gospel, and for the insti- 
tution of this day of sacred rest ; and enable us to 
make a wise and a profitable use of them. Assist us 
to worship thee, who art a Spirit, in spirit and in truth. 
Dispose us so to understand, to recollect, and to apply 
the discoveries and precepts of thy word, that we may 
perfectly love and serve thee, and cordially confide in 
thy government and promises. Grant, especially, that 
the serious remembrance of the triumphant resurrec- 
tion of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, of which we 
are reminded this day, may animate us to the steadfast 
profession of his name, raise our affections and wishes 
to the things which are above, incite us to follow him 
in his holy and benevolent life, and fill us with joy, 
peace, and hope in believing. — Save now, O Lord, 
we beseech thee. In thee do we put our trust : let 
us never be ashamed. Amen. 



6. 

O THOU ever-blessed and most glorious God, who 
art the object of supreme veneration, on whom all the 
families of the earth continually depend ! we, thine un- 
worthy servants, would come before thee with reve- 
rence and thanksgiving. We esteem it good for us 
to draw near unto thee, and we desire to serve thee 
with filial joy and godly fear. May the various ex- 
ercises in which we engage, be acceptable in thy sight, 
and be accompanied with thy blessing. May we ce- 
lebrate thy praises with understanding and devotion ; 
and remember thy great goodness to us and to all men, 
that we may be inclined to love thee, and to cherish 
good- will towards one another. May we confess our 
sins unto thee with unfeigned sorrow cmd steadfast pur- 
poses of amendment. May we offer up our supplica- 
tions with humble confidence in thy wisdom and kind- 



INTRODUCTORY PRAYERS. 9 

ness. May our intercessions be accompanied with 
upright charity towards all mankind. May we re- 
ceive instruction with attention, candour, and meek- 
ness ; lay it up in our hearts, and bring forth the fruits 
of righteousness in our lives. May no vain thoughts 
distract our minds, no unworthy object withdraw our 
affections. May we so carefully improve all the 
means of religion, that we may grow wiser and better ; 
be gradually trained up for thy heavenly kingdom ; 
and at last be made partakers of that happiness, which 
eye hath not seen, which ear hath not heard, and 
which it hath not entered into the heart of man to 
conceive, through the riches of thy redeeming grace 
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



7. 

INFINITELY great and blessed God! thou hast 
declared, that thou wilt be sanctified by those who 
draw nigh unto thee. Sanctify ws, we beseech thee, 
by thy truth, that we may sanctify thee in our hearts. 
Help us ever to regard thy service as our highest 
honour, and thy favour as our chief joy. Prepare us 
thyself to venerate thine incomprehensible majesty, 
to admire thy wonderful works, to extol thine unutter- 
able goodness. Open thou our understandings, that 
we may understand the Scriptures : implant within us 
a right spirit, that we may receive with meekness the 
instructions of thy word ; withdraw our affections from 
earthly things, that we may fix them upon those 
which are heavenly and divine. And let all our 
meditations, all our words, and all our doings, be ac- 
ceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our strength, and our 
Redeemer. Amen. 



10 INTRODUCTORY PRAYERS. 

8. 

O THOU who inhabitest eternity, and art exalted 
above all blessing and praise ! we adore that conde- 
scension which permits, and that goodness which in- 
vites us, to draw near unto thy throne. We praise 
thee for the favourable circumstances under which we 
have met together ; for our exemption from worldly 
business ; for our possession of the sacred Scriptures ; 
for the liberty of worshipping thee, according to our 
own perception of the truth as it is in Jesus. We praise 
thee, that we are not this day bowing down to sense- 
less idols, and trembling at the footstool of a relentless 
sovereign ; but are encouraged to call upon thee as 
our Father in heaven. 

Preserve us, we beseech thee, from ever being so> 
perverse, as to abuse or undervalue our privileges. 
Help us to wait on thee in the exercises of this day 
with delight, and under a lively impression of our de- 
pendence and accountability. Bow down thine ear 
to the voice of our supplications ; establish in our souls 
thy love and fear ; let thy w T ord have free course 
among us, and be glorified ; and let the whole earth 
be rilled with the knowledge of the Lord, and all flesh 
see thy salvation. Amen. 

If. B. The following portions of Scripture may 
also be used with great propriety, for the introduc- 
tion of public worship : viz. Psalm XVI. XIX. 
XXVII. LXVII. LXXXIV. XCVIII. C. CHI. CXLV. 



GENERAL PRAYERS. 11 

SECTION II. 
EIGHT GENERAL PRAYERS, 

PROPER TO BE USED IN PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, we desire to 
lift up our hearts unto thee, the hearer of prayer," 
from whom alone cometh our help. We adore thee 
as the great Parent of the Universe, from whom all 
things proceed, and on whom all creatures depend. 
Thou art worthy of all possible veneration, gratitude, 
and obedience. Thou art the blessed and only Po- 
tentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. Thou 
alone hast immortality, and art unchangeable in wis- 
dom and holiness. Thy truth endure^h to all gene- 
rations ; thy mercy is from everlasting to everlasting 
upon them that fear thee ; and thy righteousness unto 
children's children. — We, thine unworthy servants, 
would give thee most humble and hearty thanks for 
all thy goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all 
men. We bless thee for our creation, preservation, 
and all the blessings of this life ; but, above all, for 
thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world 
by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, for the means 
of grace, and for the hope of glory. And we beseech 
thee to give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that 
our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we 
may show forth thy praise not only with our lips, but 
in our lives. Grant, that we may devote ourselves 
to thy service, and walk before thee in holiness and 
righteousness all our days. Enable us to cherish and 
to exercise habitually every pious and virtuous affec- 
tion : that we may enjoy the testimony of a good con- 
science and the hope of thy favour, be sustained and 
comforted under the troubles of this life, and finally 

43 



12 GENERAL PRAYERS. 

be received into thine everlasting kingdom, through 
thine infinite mercy in Jesus Christ our Saviour. 

Thou hast directed us, Almighty God, to offer up 
our supplications for all our fellow men. We hum- 
bly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; 
that thou wouldst be pleased to make thy ways known 
unto them, the saving gospel of thy Son unto all na- 
tions; that idolatry, superstition, and vice may be 
banished from the earth ; and that war, oppression, 
and injustice, may for ever cease. We pray, that the 
church of Jesus throughout the world may be so 
guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all, who 
profess themselves Christians, may be led into the way 
of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the 
bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. We com- 
mend to thy fatherly goodness all those, who are 
afflicted or distressed in mind, body, or estate ; that it 
may please thee to comfort and relieve them accord- 
ing to their several necessities ; giving them patience 
under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all 
their afflictions. 

We implore thy heavenly blessing especially upon 
the land in which we live. Give success, we pray 
thee, to the lawful and virtuous labours of its inhabi- 
tants ; and provide the necessary supplies for all their 
wants. Behold with thy favour the President of the 
United States, the Governor of this State, and all who 
are invested with legislative, judicial, or executive 
authority ; and so replenish them with thy grace, that 
they may always incline to thy will and walk in thy 
way, and be enabled to promote and secure the na- 
tional peace, liberty, safety, and prosperity. Send 
down upon all ministers of the gospel, and upon all 
congregations committed to their charge, the needful 
spirit of thy grace, that they may truly please thee ; 
and give such efficacy to the means of education with 
which thou hast furnished us, that we may become a 



GENERAL PRAYERS. 13 

wise and righteous people, whom thou wilt delight to 
protect and favour. 

Hear us, most merciful God, we beseech thee, in 
these our supplications and intercessions, which we 
offer up unto thee as disciples of thy Son ; and pardon 
and accept us, through him, now and evermore. 
Amen. 



2. 

GLORY and honour be unto thee, the self-existent 
and infinite Jehovah, who art, and wast, and shalt be 
from eternity to eternity ! Adoration and praise be 
unto thee, the omnipotent, all-wise, all-gracious Being, 
who fillest the heavens and the earth with thy pre- 
sence and thy love ! 

Glory and honour be unto thee, the Creator and 
Preserver of the Universe, the Father and the Friend 
of the sons of men ! Thou hast formed us after thine 
own image, made us intelligent, free, and immortal 
spirits, and raised us to the dignity of thy children and 
worshippers. Thou bestowest upon us, each return- 
ing day, invaluable mercies and blessings both for our 
bodies and our souls ; and thou art preparing us for 
vastly higher satisfactions in a better world. 

Adoration and praise be unto thee, the Father of 
compassion, the God of all consolation and grace in 
Christ Jesus our Lord ! Thou hast pitied our sinful 
and wretched race, and given us a Redeemer who is 
able to save unto the uttermost. By the doctrines, 
the death, and the resurrection of thy Son, thou hast 
revealed to us thy character and will, conferred on us 
the strongest assurance and pledge of thy mercy, en- 
riched us with comfort under all our trials and dis- 
tresses, encouraged and enabled us to prove faithful 
to duty, delivered us from the fear of death and of 



14 GENERAL PRAYERS. 

hell, and set before us the path of life and pleasures 
at thy right hand for evermore. 

Almighty God, how shall words express the gran- 
deur of thy majesty, and the magnitude and extent 
of thy grace ! We would bow down with the pro- 
foundest veneration, and worship thee as the first, the 
best, the most perfect of all beings. We contem- 
plate with amazement the immeasurable distance be- 
tween thee and us thy frail and guilty creatures ; and 
rejoice, that, though thou art infinitely exalted, thou 
deignest to exercise such condescension and clemency 
towards us. To thee all our homage, affection, and 
submission are due. To praise and adore thee be our 
delightful and eternal employment, and that of all our 
brethren ! 

Merciful Parent of the human family, enable us to 
live under an habitual sense of the relation which we 
sustain towards thee. May the recollection of thy 
greatness ever inspire us with reverence, and the re- 
j membrance of thy mercy lead us to consecrate our 
bodies and our souls as a living sacrifice unto thee. 
May a cheerful and universal obedience ever prove 
our gratitude, and a patient submission to the afflic- 
tions we may encounter evince our trust. May we 
ever rejoice in Jesus Christ as the Captain of our sal- 
vation, open our hearts to all his discoveries and com- 
mandments, make them the only rule of our faith and 
practice, aim continually at an increasing resemblance 
of his divine dispositions and virtues, and rely with 
immoveable confidence upon the precious promises 
which he sealed with his blood. By the influence 
of his holy gospel, may we pass with usefulness and 
comfort through all the vicissitudes of this transitory 
state, and become qualified for an entrance into that 
world, where all his followers shall behold him face 
to face. 

These blessings, which we supplicate for ourselves, 



GENERAL PRAYERS. 15 

we beseech thee, heavenly Father, to extend to the 
whole family of man. Increase the number of those, 
who adore thee with holy joy, and with a Christian 
temper and life. Multiply the triumphs of truth over 
error, of righteousness over iniquity, of a filial spirit 
of love over servile terrors and gloomy fears. In all 
the habitations of men, from the rising unto the going 
down of the sun, may the incense of acceptable praise 
and the pure offering of a virtuous life be presented 
unto thee. 

Endow all those, who are appointed to rule over 
their fellow-men, with a superior measure o£ wisdom 
and benevolence ; and inspire all instructers of youth 
and all teachers of religion with an ardent concern to 
promote the welfare of those with whom they are 
connected. Enlighten and direct thy servants to whom 
the administration of our government is committed, 
and all who are empowered to enact and to execute 
our laws, in fulfilling their arduous and important 
duties. Grant that all the inhabitants of our land may 
lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and 
honesty. Vouchsafe to preserve to us our civil and 
religious rights, to protect us from the horrors of war 
and other public calamities, to bless us with healthy 
and fruitful seasons, and to prosper our agriculture, 
commerce, and manufactures. 

Have mercy, gracious God, upon all communities 
or individuals, who are oppressed by injustice and 
tyranny ; who are flying from the sword of their ene- 
mies ; who are suffering the desolation of famine or 
pestilence ; who are bowed down by sickness or po- 
verty ; or who are exposed to any other necessities 
and dangers. Prevent them, we pray thee, from be- 
ing overwhelmed by such visitations, and from sink- 
ing into despair. Raise up to them friends, and send 
them relief in their distresses ; and cause the rough 
and thorny path of affliction to become to them the 

43* 



16 GENERAL PRAYERS. 

path to perfection and bliss. Let thy consolations 
cheer and support, especially, our mourning and dis- 
tressed brethren, who are united with this religious 
society, or for whom our prayers have been desired. 
Alleviate their pains, both of body and mind. Deliver 
them from all their sorrows, if this be agreeable to thy 
holy will, or enable them to suffer with pious resigna- 
tion and hope ; and let them find by happy experience, 
that it was good for them to be afflicted. 

And now unto thee, who art able to do exceeding 
abundantly above all that we ask or think, be glory 
in the church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages. 
Amen. 



GREAT art thou, O God, and greatly to be praised ; 
worthy to be had in reverence by all the children 
of men ! We worship thee as the Creator and Go- 
vernor of all things visible and invisible. Thou livest 
and reignest, unchangeably the same, without begin- 
ning of days or end of years. Thou art present at 
all times in every part of thy dominion ; the universe 
is thy temple ; thine is the majesty, and the power, and 
the glory. Thou art perfect in wisdom, wonderful in 
counsel, holy in all thy ways, and righteous in all thy 
works. Thy faithfulness endureth for ever, and jus- 
tice and judgment are the foundation of thy throne. 
Thou art good, and thou doest good continually ; the 
earth is full of thy riches ; and every blessmg and 
advantage cometh down from thee. 

We thank thee, O thou Father of lights, for the 
innumerable mercies which thou hast bestowed upon 
us. We thank thee for the gift of life ; for the wise 
and useful frame of our bodies ; and for the nobler 
powers of our minds, by which we are enabled to at- 



GENERAL PRAYERS. 17 

tain to the knowledge and love of thee. We thank 
thee, that thou hast implanted in us a sense of good 
and evil, and the affections of benevolence and com- 
passion. . We thank thee for the continual preserva- 
tion of our being, and confess, that food and raiment, 
that health and joy, and all our outward possessions, 
are the gifts of thy bounty ; and that the blessings of 
friendship, freedom, and equal government, are thy 
benevolent appointment. 

We thank thee, that thy goodness is not confined 
to the present world, but that thou art training us up 
for everlasting life by thy providence and grace. We 
thank thee for the instructions and examples of the 
wise and the good, and for every opportunity of cul- 
tivating knowledge and virtue. But, above all, we 
praise and magnify thee for the rich display of thy 
love in the manifestation of thy Son Jesus Christ. 
We acknowledge with the highest gratitude, that by 
him thou hast given us thy heavenly truth to enlighten 
our minds and to sanctify our hearts ; and that in his 
life thou hast set before us a model of the most exalt- 
ed goodness, to encourage and animate our upright 
endeavours to serve thee. We bless thee for the pro- 
mises of mercy and forgiveness, and for the hopes of 
immortality, which are confirmed to us in his gospel. 
We rejoice, that, after he had suffered death upon 
the cross for the reconciliation of our souls to thee, 
he was raised up from the grave, and became the Au- 
thor of eternal salvation to all those who obey him.. 

But, whilst we bless thee, Almighty God, for thy 
goodness and thy wonderful works, we are humbled 
by the thought of our ingratitude and un worthiness. 
We lament before thee, that we have not duly hear- 
kened to the voice of thy word, nor been as sensible 
of thy clemency and compassion as it behoved us to 
be. We have been guilty of many errors and trans- 
gressions, and negligent in the government of our 



18 GENERAL PRAYERS. 

hearts and the direction of our conduct. We have 
exposed ourselves to thy righteous displeasure ; and 
would bow down before thy throne, imploring thy 
pardon. O God, have mercy upon the works of 
thy hand, aud forgive and accept thy people, ac- 
cording to the covenant of thy grace in Jesus Christ 
our Lord. As it is the desire of our hearts to return 
to the path of obedience, enable us, we beseech thee, 
by the assistance of thy Holy Spirit, to correct what- 
ever is wrong in our tempers and behaviour, and to 
delight in the practice of every thing good and virtu- 
ous. Endow us with an active principle of humble 
and joyful piety, with a supreme love and a constant 
regard to thee, with a prevailing disposition to do unto 
all men as we would that they should do unto us, with 
a solicitude to approve ourselves to thee, the unerring 
Judge, by pure affections, and by a watchful care over 
our thoughts and passions. Assist us to become and 
to continue the faithful disciples of thy Son, to glory 
in his cross and triumph, and to demonstrate our at- 
tachment and devctedness to him by promoting the 
success of his gospel with all our power, and by 
causing the light of a good example to shine before 
others. And while we pray thee, merciful Father, to 
defend us from every real evil, and to confer upon us 
whatever is needful for our bodies and our souls, we 
would desire to submit ourselves perfectly to the dis- 
posal of thy wisdom. Through whatever changes 
we may be conducted by thy providence, help us to 
improve them to thy glory, that we may be finally 
admitted into those everlasting habitations, which thou 
hast graciously promised to thy faithful servants by 
Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Almighty God, thou wilt have all men to be saved 
and to be brought unto the knowledge of the truth. 
Enlarge, we beseech thee, the kingdom of thy Son, 
and give him the uttermost parts of the earth for his 






GENERAL PRAYERS. 19 

possession. Put an end to all falsehood in religion, 
and all wickedness of life. Grant, that pure and un- 
corrupted Christianity may prevail ; that all its pro- 
fessors may walk worthy of their high calling ; that 
persecution may for ever cease, and righteousness, 
peace, and charity every where abound. 

Father of mercies, look down with favour upon 
these United States of America. Enable the Presi- 
dent, and all others in authority, to discharge the 
duties of their stations with wisdom and integrity, as 
men who are responsible to thee. Cause a speedy 
and effectual stop to be put to the progress of immo- 
rality and profaneness ; that, on the lasting basis of 
public virtue, the public happiness may be established, 
and our liberties be preserved and handed down in- 
violate to the latest posterity. Crown the year with 
thy goodness ; help all thy people to live in concord 
and harmony ; and let all our churches and schools 
be monuments of thy love. 

Extend thy pity, in particular, we pray thee, to all 
the sons and daughters of sorrow. Be thou a father 
to the fatherless, and the defender of the widow. 
Provide for the poor ; give health to the sick ; com- 
fort those who mourn ; support such as suffer for 
righteousness' sake ; prepare the dying for their re- 
moval from this probationary state ; and deliver the 
nations from all the evil effects of ambition, avarice, 
anarchy, violence, and contention. 

Hear us, O God of mercy, in these our supplica- 
tions, which we offer up in the name and as the dis- 
ciples of thy Son. And unto Him that sitteth on the 
throne, and to the Lamb that was slain, be glory and 
honour for ever and ever. Amen. 



20 GENERAL PRAYERS. 






4. 



SUPREMELY exalted and adorable Jehovah, whom 
angels and archangels delight to worship, whom the 
heaven of heavens cannot contain ! behold in mercy 
thy servants and children, who come before thee with 
the voice of prayer and of praise. We bow down 
before thee, the self-existent and eternal Being, and 
rejoice in the revelation which thou hast been pleased 
to make of thy character and will. Thou hast form- 
ed the heavens with all their hosts, the earth and all 
that dwell therein. Thou preservest universal na- 
ture in existence, maintainest the beauty and order of 
thy works, and disposest all things by counsels which 
cannot err. All creatures are entirely dependent 
upon thee, and thou assignest to each his proper sta- 
tion and duty. Thy providence is perfect ; thy go- 
vernment is righteous ; all thy commandments are 
equitable, pure, and good. Unto thee alone, the 
blessed and supreme Potentate, is unlimited submission 
due. 

We venerate, O God, thine almighty power, thine 
unspotted sanctity, and thine unbounded wisdom ; but 
we would especially acknowledge thine infinite and 
everlasting goodness. Thou art the fountain of hap- 
piness, and thou diffusest blessings innumerable 
throughout thy creation. Thou art the Father of our 
spirits, and the Former of our bodies. Thou hast 
exercised a gracious care over us from the first mo- 
ment of our existence, supplied oar wants, and pro- 
vided for us many enjoyments. We thank thee for 
all the mercies of our outward condition, and for all 
the satisfactions of society and friendship. We thank 
thee for understanding and knowledge, for the capa- 
city of making improvement in religion and virtue, 
and for all our opportunities and means to attain true 
happiness. We thajak thee, above all, that thou hast 



GENERAL PRAYERS. 21 

sent thine only-begotten Son, to save us from igno- 
rance and fear, to redeem us from all iniquity, and to 
purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good 
works. We thank thee, that thou wast in him recon- 
ciling the world unto thyself, that he gave himself for 
us, and suffered the painful death of the cross for our 
souls, and that through him we receive remission of 
sin. We thank thee, that, by his glorious resurrec- 
tion and ascension, he has brought life and immor- 
tality to light ; tha" he has opened before us the solem- 
nities of a future""judgment, and displayed to us the 
mansions of the spirits of just men made perfect. 

What is man, O God, that thou art so mindful of 
him, and the son of man, that thou visitest him thus ? 
How good art thou to the evil and unthankful ! and 
yet how often have we offended against thy rich and 
unspeakable grace, and slighted that long-suffering 
and forbearance which should have led us to repent- 
ance ! how many are the occasions, on which we 
have felt and acted inconsistently with the character 
which we are required to bear, the great example 
which is set before us, and the sure and precious pro- 
mises to which we are called ! But surfer us not, O 
Lord, to perish in our transgressions ; deliver us from 
the dominion of them in the time to come. Enable 
us to live according to the profession which we make, 
and the desires which we now express before thee. 
Give us such a deep persuasion of the evil of sin, and 
of the importance and necessity of a holy heart and 
life, that we may carefully abstain from all impiety 
and unrighteousness. Let the grace and mercy which 
thou hast shewn unto us in Jesus Christ our Lord, 
excite in us due returns of love and obedience ; and 
constrain us to exercise sincere kindness, tenderness, 
and forgiveness to all our brethren. Let the remem- 
brance of death, judgment, and eternity, effectually 
lead us to purify our minds, to imitate the pattern of 



22 GENERAL PRAYERS. 

our blessed Master, and never to be weary in well- 
doing. Let the assurances and pledges, which thou 
hast given us of thy love to all thy upright and faith- 
ful children, fill our hearts with joyful hope, and with 
a firm reliance upon thy divine assistance. Safe un- 
der thy protection, and happy in thy favour, may we 
cheerfully follow where thou pleasest to conduct us, 
desire only what thou shalt see fit to give us, and en- 
dure with fortitude the trials which thou shalt appoint 
for us. In health and in sickness, in life and in death, 
may we lift up our souls unto thee, and make thy 
goodness and mercy in the Mediator of our race 
our only confidence and joy. And having lived, by 
thy grace, in a state of continual improvement and 
preparation for thy heavenly kingdom, may we finally 
be received into the same, to the praise and glory of 
thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

O God, who art the Father of all mankind, fill the 
minds of thy reasonable creatures, we beseech thee, 
with the knowledge of thy truth, and deliver them 
from every evil affection. Cause the gospel of thy 
Son to prevail through the world, to enter the hearts 
and govern the lives of all its inhabitants, and to make 
all nations righteous and happy. Reform the disor- 
ders, which arise from the evil passions of men ; and 
prosper the just designs of all who delight in peace. 
Grant, that the blessings of free and equal govern- 
ment may become universal, the advantages of civil 
society be widely extended, the best interests of eve- 
ry community be fully secured, and all thy children 
be united in the praise of thee and the love of one 
another. 

We commit to thee, our righteous Governor, all the 
important concerns of our country. We pray, that we 
may live in safety, and enjoy thy blessings in tranquil- 
lity and peace ; that we may escape the destructive 
evils, which thou hast appointed for wicked nations; 



GENERAL PRAYERS. 23 

and that religion and virtue may so prevail among us, 
that our privileges may be transmitted to succeeding 
ages. Be pleased to give us the fruits of the earth 
in their seasons, and to bless all orders of men in the 
diligent discharge of their respective duties. Give 
success to all the means employed among us for in- 
structing the young, for reclaiming the vicious, and for 
establishing the well-disposed. Enlighten, direct, and 
prosper the President of the United States, and all who 
are invested with authority. May they be men fearing 
thee, and hating covetousness and all manner of ini- 
quity : may all their power and influence be exerted for 
the promotion of the welfare of the people, and the ad- 
vancement of thy glory; and, under their government 
.may justice and judgment be impartially administered. 

Finally, we beseech thee, O God of mercy, to ex- 
tend thy favourable regard to all our brethren who 
are in affliction. May thy wisdom be their direction, 
thy power their support, thy goodness their confidence. 
By patience and a serious improvement of their suffer- 
ings, may they be prepared for unmixed happiness 
in that better world, where all thy ways will be com- 
pletely justified and everlasting praise will ascend to 
thy throne. 

And unto thee, the King eternal, immortal, and invisi- 
ble, be all honour and glory, through Jesus Christ, our 
Mediator and Redeemer, now and evermore. Amen. 



5. 

ETERNAL and most merciful God, unto whom all 
hearts are open, and from whom no secrets can be 
hid ! we would raise our thoughts and affections to thee, 
as the greatest and the best of beings, the object oi 
supreme veneration, the high and mighty Ruler of the 
Universe. The heavens are the throne, the earth is 

44 



24 GENERAL PRAYERS. 

thy foot-stool. Honour and majesty are before thee; 
strength and beauty are in thy sanctuary ; holiness 
becometh thy house for ever. Powerful is thine 
arm ; unsearchable are thy judgments ; righteous 
is thy reign ; with thee there is no respect of persons. 
Thy wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and 
wickedness ; thy mercy is sure to every humble and 
penitent soul ; thy counsels are counsels of peace, 
and not of evil. We address ourselves to thee as de- 
pendant, frail, and guilty creatures, who cannot exist 
without thy support, who cannot be happy without thy 
love. We acknowledge, that all our faculties are the 
work of thy hand, that all bur outward advantages 
and enjoyments are the gifts of thy Providence, that 
all our consolation and improvement flow from thy 
grace. We bless thee for all those satisfactions and 
comforts, which have sustained, cheered, and gladden- 
ed us in every stage of our pilgrimage. We praise 
thee, that we are made but a little lower than the an- 
gels, and formed with capacities to know, to love, and 
to rejoice in thee for ever. We thank thee, above all, 
for the mission of thy beloved Son, for redemption 
through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins, for the 
possession of his precious gospel, for the privilege of 
freely inquiring into its meaning, and for the liberty 
of openly professing our faith. What everlasting gra- 
titude is due to thee, that his doctrines perfectly en- 
lighten the human mind, "that his precepts clearly 
point out to us the path of duty, that his example in- 
cites and encourages our works of love, that his 
death speaks peace and joy to the upright believer, 
that his resurrection from the grave establishes our 
confidence in him as our divine Mediator and Redeem- 
er, and that his ascension to glory enlivens our best 
and dearest hopes ! 

O God ! accept, we beseech thee, the expressions of 
our thankfulness for these inestimable mercies. Par- 



GENERAL PRAYERS. 25 

don, of thine infinite goodness, whatever of lukewarm- 
ness and disobedience thy pure eyes have seen in our 
minds and in our lives. Give us grace to make a dili- 
gent and faithful use of every talent committed to our 
care. Vouchsafe to direct us in all our religious 
inquiries. Help us to shun all presumption, and to 
maintain a humble and teachable disposition. Pre- 
serve us from those prejudices which pervert the judg- 
ment, from those passions which debase the under- 
standing, from those mistakes which weaken the 
principles and obstruct the practice of Christian virtue, 
from those superstitious imaginations and fears which 
betray men into dishonourable and unworthy concep- 
tions of thee. Assist us to know thee more and more 
perfectly, to understand thy will and our exalted des- 
tination, to make thee the object of our highest confi- 
dence, reverence, and joy, to love thee with all our 
souls, and to walk with circumspection and alacrity ac- 
cording to thy holy commandments. May we daily 
learn more of that Saviour who was meek and lowly 
in heart, take his yoke upon us, and find his pro- 
mised rest and peace. May our faith in him continual- 
ly grow stronger and more efficacious, and that same 
mind and spirit be in us which was in him. May his 
gospel be completely successful in correcting our 
errors, in forming within us the amiable graces of 
the Christian character, in supporting us under the 
difficulties and sufferings of this transitory life, and in 
preparing us for the glory which is about to be re- 
vealed. Having lived as his true followers, may 
the remembrance of his crucifixion and triumph ban- 
ish every fear from our bosoms in the hour of death. 
And, in the day of judgment, may thy grace give us 
the portion of those, to whom our Lord shall say : 
"Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom 
prepared for you from the foundation of the world." 
Almighty God, thou desirest not the destruction of 



26 GENERAL PRAYERS. 

any, but hast loved the whole world and given thy 
Son to taste death for every man. O grant, we 
beseech thee, that all the children of Adam may rejoice 
in the light of his gospel, and experience the invalua- 
ble blessings, which are bestowed upon us through 
his mediation. Be pleased so to direct the affairs of 
this world, and to smile upon all proper means for the 
advancement of thy kingdom, the kingdom of truth, 
purity, and righteousness, that it may soon be com- 
pletely and universally established. Put an end, we 
pray thee, to tyranny and violence, to the destructive 
schemes of ungodly ambition, to the effusion of human 
blood, and to the unnatural devastations and cala- 
mities of war. Dispose all, who bear the name of thy 
Son, to speak the truth in love, to honour each other, 
and to live as brethren. And let every plant, which 
thou, our heavenly Father, hast not planted, be root- 
ed up. 

We pray for the various tribes of the human fami- 
ly. May it please thee to favour all virtuous and pious 
communities with thy special protection; and to em- 
ploy all the methods of thy government for the refor- 
mation of such as are vicious and corrupt. 

We implore thy blessing, especially, upon the land 
in which we live. Pour out upon us, O God, a spirit 
of repentance and reformation of all our national sins. 
Grant, that our civil and religious liberties may be se- 
cured and preserved, and that our public counsels, 
founded upon truth and righteousness, may be crown- 
ed with success. May all our magistrates, judges, and 
rulers, be inspired with wisdom and energy, with a 
love of justice, with a zeal for religion, and with a 
generous concern for the happiness of the people. 
May all the ministers of thy word be found faithful, 
helpers of the joy of their fellow-Christians, not lords 
over thy heritage, but ensamples to the flock. May 
it please thee to smile upon the useful labours of the 



GENERAL FRAYERS. 27 

various classes of our citizens, to give us the fruits of 
the earth, and to preserve us from the horrors of war, 
of famine, of pestilence, of conflagrations, and other 
public calamities. Or, shouldst thou, in thine infinite 
wisdom, visit us with such chastisements ; grant, we be- 
seech thee, that they may not terminate in our destruc- 
tion, but co-operate with all other events for our im- 
provement and everlasting felicity. 

We pray thee, O thou God of compassion ! to have 
mercy upon the sons and daughters of affliction. 
Ease the pained, restore the sick, strengthen the fee- 
ble, support the aged, assist the tempted, satisfy the 
doubting, feed the poor w T ith bread, plead the cause 
of the oppressed and persecuted. Preserve those who 
travel by land or water ; show pity upon prisoners and 
captives : do thou, the Father of the fatherless, the wi- 
dow's God, bind up the broken-hearted, and comfort 
those that mourn. Turn the wicked from every evil 
way ; let one spirit, the spirit of harmony, piety, love, 
and joy, be diffused over thy creation ; and raise all 
men to those pure and endless pleasures, which are 
found at thy right hand. 

And now to thee, O God, who hast created us, to 
thee, who hast redeemed us, to thee, who art sanc- 
tifying the hearts of thy faithful servants, be everlast- 
ing honour and glory. Amen. 



6. 

INFINITE and incomprehensible Jehovah, whom an- 
gels and archangels delight to worship, whom the hea- 
ven of heavens cannot contain : we look up unto thy 
throne with a deep conviction, that it is our duty to ac- 
knowledge thee in all our ways, and devoutly to offer 
unto thee our thanks and prayers. We praise thee 
that thou hast been pleased to furnish us with all 

44* 



28 GENERAL PRAYERS. 

things necessary to life and godliness in the doctrines 
of thy holy gospel ; and we would implore thy gra- 
cious assistance, to enable us to walk worthy of our 
high vocation. 

Thou hast revealed thyself to us as the Creator 
and Ruler of heaven and of earth, in whom we and 
all other beings live and move, and in whose hands 
our times and our fates are reposed. — Help us, there- 
fore, to venerate thee with the deepest humility, to 
be always sensible of thy majesty and power, to sub- 
ject ourselves to thee with obedient hearts, to remem- 
ber our entire dependance upon thy will, and to look 
up to thee alone for temporal and eternal happiness. 

Thou hast made us acquainted with thy character, 
as the omnipresent and omniscient, the holy and 
righteous God, to whom the thoughts of ail are per- 
fectly known, who continually beholds both the evil 
and the good, who is able to save or to destroy, and 
who will not fail to reward or punish men according 
to the state of their hearts and the tenour of their 
lives. — Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, that under 
the influence of such views of thy perfections, we 
may walk before thee with holy care, dread and 
fly from every secret sin, cherish a sacred regard to 
thine authority at all times and in all places, zealously 
strive to perform whatever thou commandest, prefer 
thy friendship and approbation to every other object, 
and never despond whilst thou the Lord God omni- 
potent art with us. 

Thou hast taught us to contemplate thee as a gra- 
cious and merciful Father, delighting to do good to thy 
children, exercising forbearance towards our infirmi- 
ties, and pardoning those who renounce their transgres- 
sions and walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. 
Dispose us, by such considerations, to love thee su- 
premely, to rejoice in thee evermore, to adore thee 
with filial confidence, and to commit our bodies 



GENERAL PRAYERS. 29 

and souls to thee with immovable tranquillity and 
hope. 

Thou hast given us thy beloved Son Jesus Christ, 
to be the light of the world, the conductor of our 
souls in the path of righteousness and peace, the 
Mediator between us and thee, the Redeemer who is 
able to save unto the uttermost and to raise his fol- 
lowers: to his own honour and felicity. — Grant, O God, 
that we may fully realize the worth of his gospel, and 
profess it openly before the world. May we rejoice 
in his doctrines, death, and resurrection, and entertain 
the strongest trust in his promises. May we place 
ourselves under his direction and guidance, keep his 
character continually before our eyes, and look unto 
him in life and in death as the author and finisher of 
our faith. 

Almighty God, thou hast connected us together in 
a state of society by the tenderest ties, and appointed 
us to instruct, to counsel, to encourage, to relieve, to 
console, and to support one another. — May we ever 
take pleasure in promoting the welfare and cheering 
the minds of our fellow-travellers to eternity. May 
we always cordially love our friends, and forgive 
and do good to our enemies, persecutors, and slan- 
derers. May we faithfully serve one another with 
the talents and possessions, which thou hast confided 
to us as thy stewards. May we feel and act as 
brethren, the servants of one common Master, the 
children of the same Father in heaven, the heirs of 
the same blessings beyond the grave. 

Thou hast ordained, that, after a short pilgrimage 
on earth, our bodies shall die and our spirits ascend 
unto thee their Maker. Thou hast taught us, that 
we shall all be placed before the judgment-seat of 
Jesus Christ, that men shall reap what they have sown 
on earth, and that an endless duration awaits each one 
of us. — God ! may we never boast of to-morrow, nor 



t 



y 



30 GENERAL PRAYERS. 

delay the performance of the work which thou hast 
given us to do, nor attach ourselves immoderately to 
this world. May the thought of death and judgment 
lead us to frequent and serious self-examination, and 
preserve us from engaging in vain and criminal pur- 
suits. May it be our first concern, to be found faith- 
ful by thee, to improve and exalt the faculties of our 
immortal souls, to lay up treasures in heaven, to keep 
our loins girt and our lamps burning, and to hold our- 
selves in constant readiness for the coming of the 
great God and of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

May every truth of religion be rendered impressive 
to out minds, and duly influence us in all we think 
and feel, and say and do ; that, forgetting the things 
which are behind, we may press forward continually to 
the mark of our high calling, and obtain the prize of 
eternal life, which thy grace is about to bestow upon 
thy faithful servants. 

Almighty God, thou art the Father of all mankind. 
To the protection and blessing of thy Providence we 
commend all our brethren, the high and the low, the 
rich and the poor; beseeching thee to enable them to 
discharge their respective duties, and to enjoy con- 
tentedly whatever thou bestowest on them. 

May our rulers and the rulers of all communities 
and nations be duly sensible of thy sovereign authority, 
and of the rights of those by whom thy are entrusted 
with the weighty charge of government ; obey thee in 
all humility ; and exercise their power with wisdom, 
fidelity, and clemency. 

May all who are subject to lawful authority, set a 
just value on the blessings of good government, con- 
tribute their several parts towards the public order and 
happiness, and conscientiously fulfil their obligations. 

Bless the rich, O Lord, with a disposition to do 
good. Teach the poor to be sober, honest, industri- 
ous, and contented with their lot. Help all who suf- 



GENERAL PRAYERS. 3] 

fer distress to rejoice in the discoveries of thy word, 
and to commit themselves to thy keeping, in patience 
and well-doing. Lead all classes of men amongst us 
to labour in their vocations with integrity, diligence, 
and zeal. And grant, that, by constantly obeying 
thy laws, by mutually exercising equity and kindness, 
we and all our fellow-creatures may enjoy the bless- 
ings which thou givest us in this world, and be trained 
up for the participation of endless felicity in the world 
to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, who art infi- 
nitely exalted above every created being ! we rejoice 
that we are permitted to raise our thoughts unto thee, 
and to call thee our Father. We adore thee as the 
Parent of angels and of men, and praise thee for the 
gracious care with which thou providest for our tem- 
poral and spiritual welfare. And we pray, that we 
may be animated with a spirit of filial piety, that we 
may delight in the contemplation of thy character 
and government, and call upon thee at all times with 
that cheerfulness and confidence, with which affec- 
tionate children approach a kind and indulgent Parent. 
Grant, for this purpose, we beseech thee, that we 
and all our fellow-men may see thee more and more 
perfectly as thou art, and entertain worthy concep- 
tions of thy nature, goverment, and will- 
May that pure and un defiled religion, which Jesus 
taught, and which is the fountain of all our knowledge 
of thee, be universally diffused, received, obeyed, and 
demonstrated to be the power of God unto salvation 
to all who sincerely believe it. Under its influence, 
may thy laws be fulfilled with alacrity and pleasure ; 
and all thy rational creatures on earth emulate the 



32 GENERAL PRAYERS. 

zeal and devotion of angels and good men made per- 
fect. • 

Thou alone knowest, great God, what measure 
of health and prosperity is good for man all the days 
of his life on earth. Bestow upon us, we beseech 
thee, what thy wisdom sees to be necessary. Pre- 
serve us from anxious cares and restless desires. 
Teach us to moderate our attachment to the world, 
to be content with our lot, and to be thankful for the 
blessings which we receive from thy liberal hand. 

We confess that we are unprofitable servants, that 
we have not deserved thy favours, and that we have 
often offended against thy holy commandments. But 
we implore from thee, who delightest to show com- 
passion unto the contrite, the remission of all our 
errors and sins, upon the gracious terms proposed in 
thy gospel. Incline our hearts, by a lively sense of 
our many frailties and of our great need of thy mercy, 
to forgive and do good to those who may injure us. 
And as we are conscious of our own weakness, we 
entreat thee, the Governor of the Universe, to p ] ace 
us in circumstances favourable to our improvement. 
Assist us to shun the snares and temptations of vice, 
to avail ourselves of every means of grace, to fight 
the good fight of faith, to watch, to pray, and to be 
sober, to take up the cross and deny ourselves, fol- 
lowing our great Saviour and Example with fidelity 
and constancy. 

Finally, we pray, that we and all our fellow-men 
may be enabled to bear whatever afflictions thou 
sendest us, and that in thine own good season we 
may be delivered from every sorrow and distress. 
Deliver the nations from all ignorance, injustice, 
tyranny, and bloodshed. Deliver our country from 
every evil which we feel or fear. Deliver the sick 
and the unhappy from the calamities which they suf- 
fer. Deliver the souls of the dying from gloomy 






GENERAL PRAYERS. 33 

fears, and grant them an abundant entrance into the 
land of eternal love and joy. 

We offer up these our supplications unto thee as the 
disciples of thy Son, and with full reliance upon his 
assurance that those who ask with sincerity and faith 
shall receive. Thy power is equal to thy goodness. 
All things in heaven and on earth are at thy dispo- 
sal. And thine be the honour, the glory, the grati- 
tude, and the praise, for ever and ever, through Jesus 
Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer. Amen. 



8. 

OUR Father who art in heaven ! look down in mercy 
upon thy needy and dependent children, who have 
come to thine altar with the sacrifice of prayer and 
thanksgiving. We approach thee with the persua- 
sion that thou art elevated above all our praise, and 
that no tribute from mortals can add to thy happiness 
or glory. The faculties, with which we worship 
thee, are thy gift ; of thee, and through thee, and to 
thee, are all things. But we rejoice, that, though 
thou art too great to need our offerings, thou art too 
good to despise them. We bless thee, that we are 
indulged in the invaluable honour and privilege of 
spreading our wants before thee. We bless thee, that 
whilst thou art superintending the concerns of ten 
thousand worlds, thou condescendest to hear our sup- 
plications, and to number the very hairs of our heads. 
We bless thee for the promise of thy word, that thou 
wilt be nigh unto all those who call upon thee in sin- 
cerity and truth. Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and 
petitions of thy servants, as shall be most expedient 
for them. May it please thee, of thine infinite mercy, 
to give us health of body and cheerfulness of mind, to 
prosper our honest industry, and to protect us from 



34 GENERAL PRAYERS. 

danger and distress, if thine unerring wisdom shall 
perceive this to be good for us. Vouchsafe, of thine 
infinite mercy, to blot out our many sins and iniqui- 
ties, and to spare and save the souls of thy servants, 
who with unfeigned contrition draw near to thy throne 
through the blood of the everlasting covenant. Con- 
duct us by thy Spirit and Providence, in safety, 
through this transitory world. Lead us to the per- 
ception of every necessary truth. Implant and nou- 
rish in our hearts pious principles and virtuous affec-. 
tions. Sanctify us in the springs of action ; assist us 
to govern our tempers and passions ; enable us to live 
not by sight, but by faith, the faith of that Lord who 
hath loved us and given himself for us, and to adorn 
our profession by an unblamable walk and conversa- 
tion. Vouchsafe to prepare each one of us for our 
respective situations, circumstances, and trials. In- 
cline the young, O God, to cultivate, a sober mind, to 
remember thee, their Creator, Redeemer, and Judge, 
and to acquire those habits, which will secure their 
present peace and usefulness, and qualify them for 
celestial felicity. Lead those who have arrived to 
the middle stage of life, to labour, while it is day, in 
thy service, and for the benefit of their fellow-men, 
before the night cometh, when no man can work. 
Support thine aged servants under all their infirmities, 
and help them by their example to convince the rising 
generation, that religion has power to shed comfort 
upon the decline of life, and to smooths the passage to 
the tomb. Dispose such as are possessed of this 
world's goods, to enjoy them with a temperate and 
thankful soul, and to be ready to distribute their trea- 
sures for the relief of the necessitous. Inspire the 
poor and the afflicted with submission and hope, and 
assist them to secure themselves unfading riches be- 
yond the grave. Grant, that, as parents or children, 
as masters or servants, as members of families and 



GENERAL PRAYERS. 35 

citizens of the state, we may discharge our obliga- 
tions with diligence and care, and shine as lights in 
thy church on earth. While we are fervent in spirit 
and zealous of good works, may we possess that peace 
which the world is unable to give, and go on our way 
rejoicing. In every situation in which we shall be 
placed, may it be our chief care to be found doing 
justly, loving mercy, walking humbly before thee the 
Lord our God, following our Saviour Jesus Christ, 
and seeking thy heavenly kingdom. In joy and sor- 
row, in life and death, may our souls be stayed upon 
thee, and triumph in the assurance of thy love and 
of the resurrection of the just. 

These blessings, which we solicit for ourselves, 
we beseech thee, Father of mercies, to extend unto 
all our brethren, and finally to receive them and us 
into the mansions of everlasting life and bliss, through 
thy rich and free grace in Jesus Christ, thy Son, our 
Lord and Saviour. Amen. 



SECTION III. 

FIVE PRAYERS FOR FESTIVAL OCCA- 
SIONS. 

1. 

FOR CHRISTMAS-DAY. 

O GOD, the Creator, Benefactor, and Father of 
mankind ! thou art worthy of universal and everlast- 
ing adoration. Thou art the perfection of all excel- 
lency, and the source of all happiness. All thy 
works praise thee, and all thy saints bless thy name. 
We would come before thee, O Lord, to acknow- 
ledge with reverence and gratitude, that the whole 

45 



36 PRAYERS FOR 

creation is full of thy goodness, that every part of our 
lives has been marked by thine indulgence, that day 
after day thou art multiplying fresh favours upon us. 
But especially would we thank thee for those un- 
speakable mysteries of wisdom and benevolence, of 
which we are reminded this festive day. Herein is 
love : not that we had loved thee, O God, but that 
thou didst so love us, as to send thy Son to be the 
propitiation for our sins. 

Adoration and praise be given to thee, that, when 
darkness had overspread the earth and gross darkness 
the people, when superstition and idolatry prevailed, 
and when error and vice seemed to triumph over 
truth and righteousness, thou didst graciously inter- 
pose in behalf of thy degenerate offspring, and raise 
up for them a Saviour, able to help and mighty to 
deliver. Adoration and praise be given to thee, 
that, through his mediation and gospel, light and par- 
don, and power and peace, and everlasting felicity 
are offered, in thy name, to the rebellious children of 
men. Adoration and praise be given to thee, that 
the divinity of his mission and character has been es- 
tablished by the most decisive evidence, and that none 
who trust in him shall ever be confounded. O, who 
can express the greatness of thy compassion, or suf- 
ficiently admire thy wonderful arrangements for our 
redemption and happiness ! 

God of mercy, let it please thee to add grace 
to grace. Help us to contemplate the matchless 
event we are commemorating, with all those affec- 
tions which its importance demands. Pour out, thy- 
self, into our hearts that gratitude to thee and to thy 
blessed Son, which shall prompt the most ardent 
devotion to thy service, and render our whole exis- 
tence one continued song of thanksgiving. Assist us 
to form right conceptions of the design of the Mes- 
siah's advent. Convince us of our own need of this 



FESTIVAL OCCASIONS. 37 

astonishing dispensation of mercy. Awaken us to 
avail ourselves with alacrity and zeal of the assistance 
which it imparts, and to obtain the happiness to which 
it is intended to conduct us. While with gladness of 
heart we exclaim, " Blessed is he that cometh in the 
name of the Lord," may we receive his gospel with 
lively faith ; learn of him as the great prophet of God ; 
bow down to his authority as the head over all things 
to the church ; depend on him as the captain of sal- 
vation ; follow him as our leader to the skies ; and 
rely with implicit confidence upon his promises. May 
it be our great concern to grow continually in the 
knowledge of his holy gospel, to be redeemed through 
him from all corruption and iniquity, to glorify his 
name by our walk and conversation, to advocate his 
cause and advance his kingdom, to realize the fulness 
of consolation and hope found in his word. And may 
we be enabled, under all the changes and trials of 
life, in some good degree, to comprehend the breadth 
and length, and depth and height of that love of God 
and Christ, which passeth knowledge. 

Parent of all compassion, who didst send thine only- 
begotten Son, to be a light to lighten the Gentiles and 
the glory of thy people Israel : grant, we beseech 
thee, that the good tidings of great joy, in which we 
exult this day, may be communicated to every tribe 
of Adam's race; and that all our fellow-men may 
say with exultation, Unto us this child is born, unto 
us this son is given ! Under the reign of the Prince 
of peace, may the righteous flourish, and harmony 
and concord universally prevail. May all who pro- 
fess themselves Christians, arise and shine, since the 
glory of the Lord is risen upon them. And may they 
be taught to say in sincerity and truth, " If God so 
loved us, we ought also to love one another." 

O Thou, who art abundant in goodness and pity, 
accept our petitions for the relief of the sorrowful and 



38 PRAYERS FOR 

unhappy. Looking up to thy throne this day, may 
they be ransomed from every foe and every fear. 
Bind up the broken-hearted, and proclaim liberty to 
the captives. Give to them that mourn beauty for 
ashes, and the garment of praise for the spirit of 
heaviness. And assist all the contrite to cast away 
their burdens, and with the spirit of adoption in their 
souls to cry, Abba, Father. 

We offer up these our sacrifices, O God, in the name 
and as the disciples of thy beloved Son, through whom 
we have boldness to draw near to thy throne. And 
we pray, that at his second appearance in glorious ma- 
jesty to finish our salvation, we, with all his redeemed, 
may be received into thy blissful presence, and sing 
the triumphs of thy grace for ever and ever. Amen. 



2. 

FOR THE BEGINNING; OF A NEW YEAR. 

O GOD, our heavenly Father ! we lift up our soul* 
to thee, the King eternal, immortal, and invisible. 
We rejoice, that thou hast been the refuge of thy ser- 
vants in all generations ; and that from everlasting to 
everlasting thou art the same, unchangeable in power 
and wisdom, and rectitude, and goodness. Our days 
areas a hand-breadth, and our age is as nothing be- 
fore thee : but in this would we glory, that we are thy 
charge, and that all the happiness of those is perfectly 
secure, who know thy name and put their trust in thee. 
We adore thee as the author of our being, the giver 
and the preserver of our comforts. It is thy might 
by which we have been sustained : it is of thy mercy 
that we are not consumed. Thy compassions fail not ; 
they are new every morning ; great is thy faithful- 
ness. Year after year thou hast spared and blessed 
us : not dealing with us after our sins, nor rewarding 



FESTIVAL OCCASIONS. 39 

us according to our iniquities. Our afflictions have 
been few in number and short in continuance, instruc- 
tive in their nature and benevolent in their design. 
And, O, what a series of bounties and favours present 
themselves to our view, when we look back upon the 
year that is completed, and upon all the successive 
portions of our existence ! Our health and strength, 
our food and raiment, our friends and relations, our 
comforts and pleasures, our preservation from any 
sin, our ability to do aught of good, the discoveries 
and encouragements of thy word, with all our means 
of improvement, and all our hopes of glory through 
the Son of thy love, — have all been supplied by thy 
paternal hand, have all flowed from thine unmerited 
grace. There has not been a day, an hour, a mo- 
ment, but has published thy kindness and thy care. 
Not unto us, O Lord ! but to thy holy name, be all 
the praise ! 

O that every moment of the past year had been 
a witness to our gratitude, love, and obedience, as it 
has been a monument of thy long-suffering and in- 
dulgence ! To thee belong glory and honour, but to 
us shame and confusion of face. How many duties 
have we neglected ! How little have we profited by 
the talents and opportunities that have been granted 
us ! With how many errors do our own consciences 
upbraid us ! And how many more must have been 
noticed by thine all-seeing eye ! Who can tell how 
oft he offendeth ! God be merciful to us sinners ! 
O cease not, we pray thee, to spare, to forgive, to 
bless us. Suffer us not to carry one of our old sins 
with us into the new year, unforgiven, unlamented, 
unforsaken. With a new portion of time, may we 
have new hearts and become new creatures. May 
the remainder of our existence on earth be wisely 
spent, and be rendered more fruitful, than the past, of 
Christian sentiments, affections, resolutions, and deeds. 

45* 



40 PRAYERS FOR 

May we be assisted habitually to remember our exalt- 
ed destination, to realize how frail we are, to bear in 
mind the uncertainty of life, the solemnity of death, 
the awfulness of judgment, the retributions of eternity. 
And may we be thereby effectually excited to perform 
whatsoever our hand shall find to do, to press forward 
in the path to heaven, and by patient continuance in 
piety and virtue to seek for immortality and joy. 

Holy Father ! prepare us thyself for all the duties 
of the year, continually imparting the wisdom and the 
strength we shall need, and assisting us to seek them 
from thee. Fit us, we pray thee, for all that the fu- 
ture may bring. We know not, what a day may pro- 
duce ; but we would encourage ourselves and go for- 
ward, casting our burdens upon thee. Thus far thou 
hast been our helper, and we will rely upon thy pro- 
mise not t6 leave or forsake us. If we are indulged 
with prosperity, may it render us more grateful and 
generous, and be enjoyed with Christian temperance 
and moderation. If we are exercised with adversity, 
may we not sink in the hour of trouble, or offend 
against thee, but trust in thy wisdom and goodness. 
If those we love are continued unto us, may we love 
them as heirs of eternal life, and hold them at thy 
disposal. If they are recalled from us, may we resign 
them calmly to thee, and anticipate the re-union of the 
just in heaven. If we ourselves shall hear the sum- 
mons of death, or shall be unexpectedly cut off from 
the world, may we be found ready for the call, fit for 
our Lord's appearance, and meet for the inheritance 
of the saints. In every event, may we be engaged 
in doing justice, loving mercy, walking humbly 
before thee, and setting our hearts upon heaven. 

Most merciful God, visit with the tokens of thy love 
all for whom it is our duty to pray. Multiply thy 
grace and peace upon our connexions and friends. 
Prosper thy work in this religious society. Bless all 



FESTIVAL OCCASIONS. 41 

thy ministers and churches. Smile upon the aged and 
the young, the rich and the poor. Protect our coun- 
try in its important interests, and direct our rulers and 
magistrates. Watch over the cause of truth and 
righteousness throughout our world. And let this he 
a year of deliverance to the oppressed, of consolation 
to the afflicted, of peace to the nations, of wide diffu- 
sion to thy gospel, of unfeigned repentance to the 
careless and the vicious, and of joyful progress in faith, 
and love, and hope, to all upright souls. And unto 
thee, who art able to do exceeding abundantly above 
all that we ask or think, be glory, by Christ Jesus, 
throughout all ages. Amen. 



3. 

FOR GOOD FRIDAY. 

O THOU, whose name alone is Jehovah, and who 
art most high over all the earth : wherewith shall we 
come before thee? Frail, sinful, guilty as we are, 
how shall we dare to approach thee, but through the 
blood of the everlasting covenant, and with humble 
reliance on that mercy which is an essential property 
of thy nature ? 

Adored be thy name, that thou art revealed to us 
as the Parent of compassion and the God of all grace. 
Adored be thy name for every display of thy good- 
ness in the stores of nature and in the cares of pro- 
vidence. Adored be thy name, above all, for the 
astonishing institutions thou hast founded for the in- 
struction of our minds, the salification of our hearts, 
and the salvation of our souls. Adored be thy name, 
that thou hast not spared even thine own Son, the 
brightness of thy glory, but hast delivered him up 
for us all. Adored be thy name, that although he 
was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, endured 



42 PRAYERS FOR 

the contradiction of sinners, and was obedient unto 
death, even the death of the cross. Adored be thy 
name, that by him thou art reconciling the world unto 
thyself: that he is the propitiation for our sins ; that 
his blood cleanseth from every stain of pollution ; 
that the path to heaven is fully disclosed ; and that 
none who come to thee in the appointed way, wilt 
thou ever cast out. 

Great God, assist us to meditate upon the wonders 
of redemption with all the sentiments, emotions, and 
resolves that befit beings so highly favoured. May 
we look up unto thee and to thine only Son with fer- 
vent thankfulness, holy joy, delightful admiration. 
May we dismiss from our minds every doubt of thy 
propitiousness to the penitent. May we view, in the 
offering which Jesus brought to thee, the evil and 
malignity of sin, the value of the immortal spirit, and 
thine unspeakable concern for our felicity. May the 
hearts which thou art so tenderly drawing to thyself, 
be effectually won; and under the constraining in- 
fluence of such benignity, be entirely consecrated to 
thy service. May we be quickened to fly to the hope 
to which we are called, to build upon the foundation 
which thou hast laid, to drink of the fountain which 
thou hast opened. May we be empowered ever here- 
after to live, not unto ourselves, but to him who died 
for us and rose again. May we abhor the thought 
of offending against thee, because thy grace abounds; 
and daily recollect, that with thee there is forgiveness 
that thou mayest be feared. Planted together in the 
likeness of Christ's death, may we learn of him to 
overcome the world, and follow him in every part of 
his example. May we imbibe his zeal for thine 
honour, his confidence in thy care, his affection for 
his brethren, his fidelity to his friends, his forgiveness 
of his enemies, his purity, and fortitude, and meekness, 
and submission. Like him, under all the sufferings 






FESTIVAL OCCASIONS. 43 

of life, may each of us say, Father, not my will, but 
thy will be done. Like him, may we prosecute the 
work assigned to us with steadfastness, una wed by the 
frowns of the wicked, unaffected by the allurements 
of sloth and pleasure. Like him, in our approaches 
to the grave, may we without a fear commit our 
spirits into thy hands, and anticipate the glory which 
is about to be revealed. 

Almighty God, by whose grace thy blessed Son 
tasted death for every man : have mercy upon the 
whole human family. As thou hast made him an 
offering for sin, may he see of the travail of his soul, 
and be satisfied. By his knowledge, may he justify 
many. And having been lifted up from the earth, 
may he draw all men unto him and bring them to 
glory. 

May those who are too obdurate to be subdued by 
terror, be melted by love and gained by confidence. 
May none who are desirous of returning to thee, be 
discouraged by the fear of rejection. May all that 
are mourning over their transgressions with godly 
sorrow, look up to thee through the mediation of thy 
Son, and be comforted. May the sons and daughters 
of affliction, whatever cross they are appointed to bear, 
see him carrying a cross much heavier, and be enabled 
to sustain it without a murmur. May such as can 
labour for the welfare of others, resemble that Re- 
deemer, who, for the joy which was set before him, 
denied himself and went about doing good. May 
all who preach, and all who hear of Christ and him 
crucified, love his name, live to his honour, and tri- 
umph in his salvation. 

And when he, who made himself of no reputation, 
and underwent for us the horrors of crucifixion, shall 
come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, 
may we be enabled to say, Even so, come, Lord 
Jesus. And unto him that hath loved us, and washed 



44 PRAYERS FOR 

us from our sins in his own blood, be glory and 
dominion, for ever and ever. Amen. 



FOR EASTER SUNDAY. 

INFINITELY great and gracious God, who art, 
and wast, and wilt be from eternity to eternity ! 
What is man, that thou art mindful of him ; or the son 
of man, that thou visitest him ? We will come into 
thy gates with thanksgiving, and into thy courts with 
praise. This is the day which thou hast made : we 
will rejoice and be glad in it. 

Glory be to thee, that thou didst make man but a 
little lower than the angels, form him after thine own 
image, and place him on earth, that he might behold 
thy works and partake of thy bounty. Glory be to 
thee, that thou art guiding and guarding him from the 
beginning to the conclusion of his pilgrimage, and 
numbering even the hairs of his head. Glory be to 
thee, that thou hast called him unto knowledge, piety 
and virtue, and opened before him an endless career 
of improvement and felicity. Glory be to thee, that 
the Son of thy love was manifested, not only to put 
away sin by the sacrifice of himself but to bring life 
and immortality to light, and to open the kingdom of 
heaven to all believers in his name. Glory be to 
thee, that thou didst not suffer thy Holy One to see 
corruption, but didst give him the victory over death 
and the grave, that our faith and hope might be com- 
pletely established. Glory be to thee, that by his 
resurrection from the tomb his innocence is vindicated, 
his claims approved; that instead of the crown of 
thorns, he now wears a crown of glory ; that he reigns 
for ever at thy right hand : that he is appointed to 
lead his followers unto living fountains of water ; and 



FESTIVAL OCCASIONS. 45 

that where he is, they shall be with him in blessedness 
everlasting. 

Most merciful God ! forgive, we beseech thee, the 
errors and trangressions, by which, we have made 
ourselves unworthy of such infinite condescension, 
such unutterable goodness. Assist us to rejoice 
with the whole soul in that precious gospel, which 
dissipates every doubt, converts fear into rapture, 
and sets full in our view the path of life. Whilst we 
praise thee, that Jesus was delivered for our offences 
and raised again for our justification, O quicken us 
together with him, that we may walk in newness of 
life : dead indeed unto sin^but alive unto thee. Ex- 
ulting in that inestimable hope, to which thou hast 
. begotten us according to thine abundant mercy by 
the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the hope of an in- 
heritance incorruptible and undefiled, — may we pu- 
rify ourselves even as he is pure, seek those things 
which are above, and lay up many treasures in 
heaven. Amidst the temptations and discour- 

agements we shall experience, may we be steadfast 
and immovable, always abounding in the work of the 
Lord ; inasmuch as we know, that our labour is not 
m vain in the Lord. Whatever comforts thou shalt 
send us, may they be heightened by the reflection, 
that they are a foretaste of yet greater and more en- 

I during joys. In all the afflictions of life, and in the 
decay of nature, may we be enabled to realize with 
humble and holy confidence, that our Redeemer 
liveth. When we are called to mourn over the loss 
of dear and valued friends, may we be cheered by 
the thought, that those who sleep in Jesus, will God 
bring with him. And when we ourselves shall be 
summoned away from the world, may it be ours to 
say, O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is 
thy victory ? Thanks be to God, who giveth us the 
victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ. 



46 PRAYERS FOR 

O God, whose mighty power discomfited the 
powers of darkness, and for the suffering of death 
crowned the Captain of our salvation with glory and 
honour : give him, we pray thee, the heathen for his 
inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for 
his possession. May all his enemies be put under his 
feet, and all ungodliness and wickedness be subdued. 
As thou hast appointed a day in which thou wilt judge 
the world in righteousness, and hast given assurance 
of it unto all. men, in that thou hast raised Christ Je- 
sus from the dead : may all in every land prepare 
with diligence and zeal for the account which he 
shall demand, and become qualified for admission into 
his heavenly kingdom. 

God of all peace and comfort, regard, we pray thee, 
in compassion, all that are undergoing the changes 
and trials of this fleeting world : all that are oppress- 
ed by lawless might ; all that are suffering for truth 
and conscience' sake ; all that are beset by tempta- 
tions to sin; all that are sinking under the weight 
of disease ; all that tremble in the contemplation 
of the grave; all that are entering into the valley 
of the shadow of death. May Christ be in them the 
hope of glory. And at his appearing, may the trial 
of their faith be found unto praise and honour. 

And now unto thee who canst keep us from falling, 
and hast laid up for all thy faithful servants immortal 
joys, be ascribed blessing, and honour, and dominion, 
for ever of ever. Amen. 



5. 

FOR WHIT-SUNDAY. 

O THOU, that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all 
flesh come ! We desire to approach thee with just 
convictions of thy character ; and we pray, that we 



FESTIVAL OCCASIONS. 47 

may ever cherish such a persuasion of our dependence 
as shall rouse us to ascribe to thee the glory due to 
thy name. 

We adore thee as an infinitely pure and intelligent 
Spirit, the Creator and Preserver of the universe, the 
Giver of life and knowledge, and power, and comfort, 
and happiness. By thy word, O Lord, were the hea- 
vens made, and all the host of them by the breath of 
thy mouth. Thou art continually operating in every 
part of thy dominion, according to the counsels of thine 
own understanding. Every good and every perfect 
gift comes down from thee ; and without thee, we are 
nothing, and we can do nothing. 

We bless thee, especially, Almighty God, for the 
rational and immortal spirit thou hast given to man, 
and for all thy care to advance his moral and reli- 
gious improvement. We bless thee, that thou hast 
not left thyself without a witness in any age. We 
bless thee, that to the fathers thy glory was manifest- 
ed, and that the prophets thou didst inspire. We 
bless thee, that in these last days thou hast spoken 
unto us by thy Son, full of grace and truth, whom 
thou hast appointed heir of all things. We bless thee, 
that after he had died for our sins, and risen from the 
dead, and ascended to heaven, he poured out upon his 
apostles the promised gifts of the Holy Ghost, and sent 
them forth to preach his gospel to the nations in the 
demonstration of the Spirit. We bless thee, that by 
thine assistance the word of the Lord grew mightily, 
that thy church has been widely extended and firmly 
established, that the gates of hell have not been able 
to prevail against it, and that Christianity has been 
experienced by countless multitudes to be the power of 
God unto salvation. We bless thee, that the Sun of 
righteousness is shining upon these lands ; and that 
we, whose ancestors were afar ofi\ have been brought 
nigh to thyself, and abundantly furnished with all 

46 



48 PRAYERS FOR 

things necessary unto life and godliness. We bless 
thee, that though the supernatural agency of thy Spi- 
rit has ceased, thou art ever ready to impart thy 
saving influences and to bestow the richest blessings 
upon all who ask and seek them from thee. 

God of all grace, preserve us from ever thinking 
lightly of these things. Make us sensible of the im- 
portance of that dispensation of religion, under which 
it is our privilege to live, and of the superiority of our 
advantages to those enjoyed by many millions of our 
fellow-men. Help us to humble ourselves before thee 
for all our past neglect of the means, by which thou art 
quickening and directing upright souls. Awaken our 
attention to the truth as it is in Jesus ; open the eyes 
of our understanding; elevate our desires; spiritualize 
our affections ; and work within us both to will and to 
do whatsoever thou art pleased to require at our hands. 
Save us from ever resisting, grieving, or quench- 
ing thy Spirit ; and help us to bring forth more and 
more the fruit of the Spirit, in all goodness, and right- 
eousness, and truth. In all the dangers to which we 
are exposed, vouchsafe to preserve us from falling. 
When through our blindness we shall be ready to 
stray from thee, lead us, thyself in the path in which 
we ought to go. When visited with distress and 
affliction, enable us to rejoice, that thy grace is suffi- 
cient for us. In every situation, strengthen us in the 
inner man by thy might ; and never, O Lord, in life 
and in death, never leave us nor forsake us. 

Holy Father, pour out the spirit of grace and sup- 
plication upon this society, upon all our congregations, 
upon every section of thy church. Arouse the care- 
less, convert the vicious, confirm the weak, establish 
the just. Bless the ministry of thy word ; prosper 
the exertions of thy servants for the dissemination of 
its invaluable records ; and hasten, we pray thee, the 
day, when every people shall both read and hear, in 



FESTIVAL OCCASIONS. 49 

their own tongue, the wonderful works of God. Grant 
that all professing Christians may walk worthy of 
their vocation, with all lowliness and meekness, for- 
bearing one another in love, endeavouring to keep 
the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. And 
throughout the earth, let violence and destruction be 
known no more, but righteousness, charity, and piety 
universally prevail. 

O thou, who givest liberally and upbraidest not, we 
implore thy mercies for all that are fainting under the 
sorrows and burdens of life, for all that are tried by 
the temptations or the terrors of a corrupt world, for 
all that are filled with distressful apprehensions of thy 
character and are led to despair of the attainment of 
thy mercy. O let the strength of the sufferer be 
equal to his day, and thy comforts be plentifully com- 
municated to his soul. Help all that cry to thee, to 
take unto themselves the whole armour of God, and 
with the sword of the Spirit to put to flight every foe. 
And, Lord, wherever the spirit of bondage and fear 
is felt, there bestow thou the spirit of adoption, that 
thy children may joyfully say, Abba, Father! And 
to thee, who art willing to help and able to save, be 
all honour and glory, on earth and in heaven, forever 
and ever. Amen. 



SECTION IV. 
SIX PRAYERS AFTER SERMON. 

1. 

O GOD, the eternal source of wisdom and purity, 
from whom all good counsels, all holy desires, and all 
just works do proceed ; we offer up our prayers unto 



50 PRAYERS AFTER SERMON. 

thee, beseeching thee, to sanctify our hearts by thy 
holy word. What we know not, teach thou us. 
Whatever is wrong in us, dispose and enable us to 
reform. Whatever in us is good, assist us to carry 
forward to perfection. Grant that we may go forth 
into the world with the spirit of true religion in our 
souls, and spend all our days in thy fear and love ; 
that we may depart from this scene of discipline, 
whenever thou shalt take us away, with Christian hope, 
and be admitted into thy sacred temple above, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



% 

ACCEPT, O thou God of compassion, the thankful 
acknowledgments of our hearts for the privileges 
which we have enjoyed at this time. Forgive the 
imperfection of our devotions and whatever thy pure 
eyes may have seen amiss in us. Of thy great mer- 
cy, grant us such things as shall be good for us, though 
we may neglect to pray for them ; and deny us such 
things as would be hurtful to us, though we should 
earnestly desire them. Impress upon our minds the 
solemn counsels of thy word, and let not the cares or 
pleasures of the world prevent or impair their efficacy. 
Help us to walk as in thy sacred presence ; and at 
last vouchsafe to receive us into glory, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen. 



3. 

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, through 
whose infinite goodness we have been permitted to 
offer up our united supplications and to meditate upon 
the interests of our immortal souls ; hear thou in hea- 



PRAYERS AFTER SERMON. 51 

ven, we beseech thee, the petitions of our hearts, and 
give thy blessing to the lessons which we have learn- 
ed, as far as they agree with thy truth in scripture. 
Establish our minds in the love of every Christian 
ordinance and duty. Grant, that this house of prayer 
may become and continue to us the gate of heaven, 
the temple of devout and holy joy, the refuge of our 
souls from the trials and temptations of life, the school 
of genuine wisdom and virtue. Fit us more and more 
perfectly for glorifying thy name upon earth, and for 
singing thy praise in the mansions of thy house above, 
through Jesus Christ our Mediator and Redeemer. 
Amen. 



4. 

WE ask thy blessing, O thou God of wisdom and mer- 
cy ! on the duties, in which we have at this time been 
engaged. Be pleased to hear our petitions, to accept 
our praises, to pardon our failings. If good impres- 
sions have been made on our hearts ; — if our views of 
thy gospel have been enlarged ; — if any errors have 
been corrected, any difficulties have been obviated, or 
any doubts removed : may these beneficial results ap- 
pear in our increased regard for Christian truth, our 
warmer zeal for Christian virtue, and our more con- 
stant entertainment of Christian hope. Cherishing the 
kindest affections, abounding in labours of love, may 
we have good reason to rejoice in each other as chil- 
dren of one Father, disciples of one Lord, fellow-heirs 
of the grace of life. And being built up together in 
holiness and comfort, may we at last be united to the 
blessed society of heaven, there to see thy glory and 
to celebrate thy praise for ever and ever. Amen. 



46* 



52 PRAYERS AFTER SERMON, 



ETERNAL and all-seeing God ! we, thy creatures, 
sink into nothing before thy supreme majesty. We 
feel our weakness ; we acknowledge our folly ; we 
would bewail our sins. We desire to adore thee with 
deeper veneration: to thank thee with more fervent 
zeal ; to submit to thee with greater humility : to rely 
upon thee with more firmness and cheerfulness. If 
our prayers, O Father, have been unwise, wilt thou 
pity us : if they have been presumptuous, wilt thou 
pardon us : if they have been acceptable to thee, wilt 
thou grant them ! And as we now bless thee for thy 
dispensations, and desire to share in thy mercy through 
Jesus Christ, thy Son : so, in that future state, to 
which we reverently hope thy love will raise us, may 
we, with all thy saints and angels, find our highest 
happiness in praising, honouring, and worshipping 
thee, ages without end. Amen. 



6. 

GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the 
words, which we have heard this day with our out- 
ward ears, may be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, 
that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good liv- 
ing, to the honour and praise of thy name, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

OUR Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy 
name, &c. &c. 






BENEDICTIONS. 53 

SECTION V. 
SCRIPTURAL BENEDICTIONS, 

FOR THE CONCLUSION OF PUBLIC WORSHIP. 

1. 

THE Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make 
his face to shine on thee, and be gracious unto thee. 
The Lord lift up his countenance on thee, and give 
thee peace. Amen. 



THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God 
our heavenly Father, and the communion of his holy- 
Spirit, be with us and with all our brethren of man- 
kind, now and evermore. Amen. 



MAY grace and peace be multiplied unto us and all 
men, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

4. 

THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all. 
Amen. 

5. 

THE God of peace, that brought again from the dead 
our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 
through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make 
us perfect in every good work to do his will, working in 
us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through 
Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. 
Amen. 



54 GOSPELS AND EPISTLES. 

6. 

THE God of all grace, who hath called us unto his 
eternal glory by Christ Jesus, make you perfect, stab- 
lish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and 
dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 



SECTION VI. 

A Table of the Selections from the Scriptures com- 
monly called "the Gospels and Epistles. 11 

N . B. — These selections are added to the Liturgy, 
because it has been customary in many of the Lu- 
theran churches in the United States to have them 
read regularly in public worship. But it is necessa- 
ry to remark concerning them, that there is an im- 
propriety in congregations confining themselves year 
^yk. after year* to these portions of the sacred volume, and 
neglecting all the rest, when they meet together for 
instruction and prayer. Besides, although some of 
these selections are excellent, not a few of them have 
been chosen injudiciously, or are so unnaturally torn 
away from the context, as to be dark and unedifying 
instead of exhibiting a clear and connected view of 
the great facts, truths, and lessons, contained in holy 
writ, especially of those which are most interesting to 
Christians. It is very desirable, that other and larger 
sections of the scriptures should be read in our reli- 
gious assemblies; and it is pleasing to find, that this 
is done in the Evangelical Lutheran Churches in 
Saxony, Wirtemberg, and other Protestant countries 
in Germany. 



GOSPELS AND EPISTLES. 



55 



The 1 Sunday in Advent. 
The Gos.-Matth. 21. 1-9. 
TheEpis.-Rom. 13. 11-14. 
The 2 Sunday in Advent. 

Luke 21. 25-36. 

Rom. 15. 4-13. 
The 3 Sunday in Advent. 

Matth. 11. 2-10. 

1 Cor. 4. 1-5. 
The 4 Sunday in Advent. 

John 1. 19-28. 

Philipp. 4. 4-7. 
Christmas day, 

Luke 2. 1-14. 

Titus 2. 11-14. 
1 Sunday aft. Christmas. 

Luke 2. 33-40. 

Gal. 4. 1-7. 
New-year 1 s day, or the 
Circumcision of Christ. 

Luke 2. 21. 

Gal. 3. 23-29. 
1 Sunday after New -year. 

Matth. 2. 13-23, or 

Matth. 3. 13-17. 

1 Peter 4. 12-19, or 

Titus 3. 4-7. 
Epiphany, or Manifesta- 
tion of Christ to the 

Gentiles. 

Matth. 2. 1-12. 

Isaiah 60. 1-6, or 

Ephes.3. 1-12. 

1 Sunday after Epiphany 
Luke 2. 41-52. 
Rom. 12. 1-6. 



2 Sunday after Epiphany. 

John 2. 1-11. 
Rom. 12. 6-16. 

3 Sunday after Epip h any. 

Matth. 8. 1-13. 

Rom. 12. 17-21. 
^Sunday after Epiphany. 

Mutth. 8. 23-27. 

Rom. 13. 8-10. 
5 Sunday after Epiphany. 

Matth. 13. 24-30. 

Coloss. 3. 12-17. 
6 Sunday after Epiphany. 

Matth. 17. 1-9. 

2 Peter 1. 16-21. 
Septuagesima, or 3 Sun- 
day before Lent. 

Matth. 20. 1-16. 

1 Cor. 9. 24-27. 
Sexagesima, or 2 Sunday 

before Lent, 
Luke 8. 4-15. 

2 Cor. 11. 19-31. 
Quinquagesima, or 1 Sun- 
day before Lent. 

Luke 18. 31-43. 

1 Cor. 13. 

The 1 Sunday in Lent. 
Matth. 4. 1-11. 

2 Cor. 6. 1-10. 
The 2 Sunday in Lent. 

Matth. 15. 21-28. 
1 Thess. 4. 1-7, 
The 3 Sunday in Lent. 
Luke 11. 14-28. 
Ephes. 5. 1-13- 



56 



GOSPELS AND EPISTLES. 



The 4 Sunday in Lent. 
John 6. 1-15. 
Gal. 4.21-31. 

The 5 Sunday in Lent. 

John 8. 46-59. 

Heb. 9. 11-15. 
The 6 Sunday in Lent. 

Matth. 21. 1-9. 

PhiHpp. 2. 5-11, or 

1 Cor. 11. 23-32. 

Good Friday. 
Matth. 2rt. 36 to the end 
of ch. 27, or Mark 14. 32 
to the end of ch. 15, or 
Luke 22. 39 to the end of 
ch. 23, or John 18 and 19. 
Isaiah 53. 

Easter. 
Mark 16. 1-8. 
1 Cor. 5. 6-8. 
Easter Monday. 
Luke 24. 13-35. 
Acts 10. 34-41. 

1 Sunday after Easter. 

John 20. 19-31. 
1 John 5. 4-10. 

2 Sunday after Easter. 

John 10. 1 1-16. 
1 Peter 2. 21-25. 

3 Sunday after Easter. 

John 16. 16-23. 
1 Peter 2. 11-20. 

4 Sunday after Easter. 

John 16. 5-15. 
James 1. 16-21. 



5 Sunday after Easter. 
John 16. 23-30. 
James 1. fc 22-27. 
Ascension-da?/. 
Mark 16. 14-20. ' 
Acts 1. 1-11. 
The Sunday after Ascen- 
sion Day. 
John 15. 26-16.4. 
1 Peter 4. 7-11. 
Whitsunday. 
John 14. 23-31. 
Acts 2. 1-12. 
Whitsun Monday. 
John 3. 16-21. ' 
Acts 10. 42-48. 

Trinity Sunday. 
John 3. 1-15. 
Rom. 11. 33-36. 

1 Sunday after Trinity. 

Luke 16. 1D-31. 
1 John 4. 16-21. 

2 Sunday after Trinity. 

Luke 14. 16-24. 
1 John 3. 13-18. 

3 Sunday after Trinity. 

Luke 15. 1-10. 
1 Peter 5. 6-11. 

4 Sunday after Trinity. 

Luke 6. 36-42. 
Rom. 8. 18-23. 

5 Sunday after Trinity. 

Luke 5. 1—1 1. 
1 Peter 3. 8-15. 

6 Sunday after Trinity. 

Matth. 5. 20-26. 
Rom. 6. 3-11. 



GOSPELS AND EPISTLES. 



57 



7 Sunday after Trinity. 

Mark 6. 1-9. 
Rom. 6. 19-23. 

8 Sunday after Trinity. 

Matth. 7. 15-23. 
Rom. & v 12-17. 

9 Sunday after Trinity. 

Luke 16. 1-9. 
1 Cor. 10. 6-13. 

10 Sunday after Trinity. 

Luke 19. 41-48. 
1 Cor. 12. 1-11. 

1 1 Sunday after Trinity. 

Luke 18. 9-14. 

1 Cor. 15. 1-10. 

12 Sunday after Trinity. 

Mark 7. 31-37. 

2 Cor. 3. 4-11. 

13 Sunday after Trinity. 

Luke 10. 23-37. ? 
Gal. 3. 15-22. 

14 Sunday after Trinity. 

Luke 17. 11-19. 
Gal. 5. 16-24. 

15 Sunday after Trinity. 

Matth. 6. 24-34. 
Gal. 5.25— ch. 6. 10. 

16 Sunday after 'Trinity. 

Luke 7. 11-17. 
Ephes.3. 13-21. 

17 Sunday after Trinity. 

Luke 14. 1-11. 
Ephes. 4. 1-6. 



18 Sunday after Trinity. 

Matth. 22. 34-46. 
1 Cor. 1. 4-9. 

19 Sunday after Trinity. 

Matth. 9. 1-8. 
Ephes. 4. 22-28. 

20 Sunday after Trinity. 

Matth. 22. 1-14. 
Ephes. 5. 15-21. 

21 Sunday after Trinity. 

John 4. 47-54. 
Ephes. 6. 10-17. 

22 Sunday after Trinity. 

Matth. 18. 23-35. 
Philipp. 1.3-11. 

23 Sunday after Trinity. 

Matth. 22. 15-22. 
Philipp. 3. 17-21. 

24 Sunday after Trinity. 

Matth. 9. 18-26. 
Coloss. 1. 9-14. 

25 Sunday after Trinity. 

Matth. 24. 15-28. 

1 Thess. 4. 13-18. 

26 Sunday after Trinity. 

Matth. 25. 31-46. 

2 Peter 3. 3-14. 

27 Sunday after Trinity. 
Mat. 24 36— ch. 25. 1-30, 

1 Thess. 5. 1-11. 



58 BAPTISM. 



SECTION VII. 

THE MINISTRATION OF BAPTISM 
TO INFANTS. 

Address of the Minister to the Parents or other 
Sponsors of the Child to be baptized. 

My Christian Friends, 
IT was the command of our Saviour Jesus Christ to 
his apostles, that they should go and make disciples of 
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, 
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. He declared 
to those, among whom he lived, " Except a man be 
born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 
And he requires, that we all be directed in our sen- 
timents and deportment by his doctrine and example, 
and that the same mind be in us which was in him. 

This sanctification of the heart and life is signified 
by the sacramental rite, which our Lord instituted as 
the means of introducing the members of his visible 
church on earth. As water purifies our bodies from 
all uncleanness ; so the religion of Christ, into which 
we are initiated by baptism, is perfectly adapted to 
cleanse and purify our souls. And as Almighty God, 
in receiving us through this ordinance into his new 
covenant, graciously offers and bestows upon us the 
highest religious advantages, the assurance of his 
mercy, the promise of the assistance of his Spirit, and 
the hope of everlasting happiness; so, likewise, by 
this institution, we are brought under the most solemn 
obligations to follow after holiness. " The baptism, 
which saves us, is not the putting away the filth of the 
flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God.' ; 

We are assured in scripture, that the promises of 
God belong not only to us, but to our children. 
Among the people of Israel, infants were received. 



BAPTISM. 59 

by the divine command, into the covenant which was 
made with Abraham and his descendants. When 
heads of families were converted to Christianity by v 
the agency of the apostles, not only they, but their 
household, were baptized. And we have, moreover, 
the strongest proof of the love of God to young chil- 
dren, and of their fitness for his kingdom, in the 
declaration of our blessed Saviour, the image and re- 
presentative of his Father. " They brought young 
children unto him," says St. Mark, "that he should 
touch them; and his disciples rebuked those that 
brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much 
displeased, and said unto them : Suffer the little chil- 
dren to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of 
such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, 
whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of heaven 
as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he 
took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, 
and blessed them." 

Thus encouraged, you bring this child to be added 
to the church of the Redeemer, processing your own N. 
Christian faith, and your desire that he (she) should 
realize the blessings of the gospel, and promising to 
employ your best endeavours for the accomplishment 
of this object. 

I ask you, therefore, before God and these witnesses : 

Do you renounce, and will you faithfully exhort 
this child to renounce, the devil and all his works 
and ways? — Answ. Yes. 

Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, 
Maker of heaven and earth ? 

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who 
was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin 
Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, 
dead and buried ; who descended into hell, the third 
day arose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and 
sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, 

47 



60 BAPTISM. 

from whence he shall come to judge the quick and 
the dead? 

Do you also believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy ca- 
tholic church, the communion of saints, the forgive- 
ness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life 
everlasting? — Answ. Yes. 

Is it your desire, that this child shall be baptized in- 
to the Christian faith: and are you resolved to instruct 
him carefully in the gospel of our Lord Jesus, and to 
teach him to walk according to its holy command- 
ments ? — Answ. Yes. 

Instead of the preceding questions, the following 
may be proposed : Do you sincerely believe in the di- 
vine authority of the religion of Jesus, as it has been 
handed down to us in the writings of the evangelists 
and apostles ? Is it your intention to educate this child 
in the knowledge and love of the gospel ? And do you 
engage to use all necessary care and diligence, by in- 
struction, admonition, example, and discipline, that he 
shall renounce and avoid every thing that is evil, and 
that he shall keep God's holy will and commandments 
as declared in his sacred word ? — If this be your faith 
and serious resolution, please to profess the same by 
answering, "Yes." 

N. I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and 
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 

Let us pray. — 

Almighty and everlasting God ! we adore thee as 
the great Parent of the children of men, as the Fa- 
ther of our spirits, and the Former of our bodies. 
We praise thee for giving existence to this infant, 
and for preserving him until this day. We bless 
thee, that he is called to virtue and glory, that he 
has now been dedicated to thee, and brought within 
the pale of the Christian church. We thank thee, 
that by the gospel of thy Son he is furnished with 
every thing necessary to his spiritual happiness : that 



BAPTISM. 61 

it supplies light for his mind, and comfort for his 
heart, encouragement and power to discharge his du- 
ty, and the precious hope of mercy and immortality 
to sustain and make him faithful. And we beseech 
thee to grant, O most merciful God, that this child 
may be enlightened and sanctified from his early 
years by thy Holy Spirit, and be everlastingly saved 
by thy mercy. Direct and bless thy servants, who 
are entrusted with the care of him, in the momentous 
work of his education. Inspire them with just con- 
ceptions of the absolute necessity of religious instruc- 
tions and principles. Forbid that they should ever 
forget, that their offspring belong to thee : and that, if) 
through their criminal neglect or bad example, thy 
reasonable creature be lost, thou wilt require it at 
their hands. Give them a deep sense of the dignity of 
his nature, of the worth of his soul, and of the dangers 
to which he will be exposed ; of the honour and feli- 
city to which he is capable of ascending with thy 
blessing, and of the ruin in this world and the misery 
in the world to come which spring from wicked pas- 
sions and conduct. Give them grace to check the 
first risings of forbidden inclinations in his breast, to 
be his defence against the temptations incident to 
childhood and youth, and as he grows up, to enlarge 
his understanding, and to lead him to an acquaintance 
with thee and with Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. 
Give them grace to cultivate in his heart a supreme 
reverence and love for thee, a grateful attachment to 
the gospel of thy Son his Saviour, a due regard for 
all its ordinances and institutions, a temper of kind- 
ness and good-will to all mankind, and an invincible 
love of sincerity and truth. Help them to watch con- 
tinually over him with tender solicitude, to be studious 
that by their conversation and deportment his heart 
may not be corrupted, and at all times to set before 
him such an example that he may safely tread in 



62 BAPTISM. 

their footsteps. If it please thee to prolong his days 
on earth, grant that he may prove an honour and a 
comfort to his parents and friends, be useful in the 
world, and find in thy Providence an unfailing defence 
and support. Whether he live, let him live to thee ; 
or whether he die, let him die to thee. And, at the 
great day of account, may he and his parents meet 
each other with rapture, and rejoice together in thy 
redeeming love, through Jesus Christ, for ever and 
ever. Amen. 

The following exhortation, or any other which the 
minister may judge proper, may be addressed to the 
parents. 

Solemn and momentous indeed is your duty, my 
friends, and great your responsibility to the Judge of 
all. To guide this feeble and ignorant creature in 
the road to happiness; to contribute to the unfolding 
of his powers, and to teach him to make a worthy use 
of them ; to cherish the good, and to repress the evil 
dispositions, which may rise up in his mind, to guard 
him from error, vice, and misery ; to make "Aim ac- 
quainted with the great design of his being; to lead 
him to truth, wisdom, piety, and virtue ; to fit him for 
acting his part well on the theatre of this world ; and 
to prepare him for endless bliss in the world to come : 
— what a noble, delightful, and arduous employment ! 
What a recompense will attend it, if well perform- 
ed, both here and hereafter ! What cutting sorrow 
would you be doomed to feel, should you neglect 
this duty, or acquit yourselves ill in it ! — Let it be 
your great aim to discharge this obligation with fide- 
lity ; and, having been the instruments of giving life to 
this infant, let it be the subject of your prayers, and 
the end of your endeavours, that you may meet him 
among the spirits of just men made perfect, before the 
throne of God and the Lamb. Amen. 



/ 



'i 



BAPTISM. 63 



SECTION VIII. 

THE MINISTRATION OF BAPTISM 

to such as are of riper years. 

Dearly Beloved, 
OUR blessed Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, having 
himself published his religion for the salvation of the 
world, to the Jewish nation, commissioned his apos- 
tles to complete the work which he had begun. " All 
power," said he, "is given unto me in heaven and in 
earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, bap- 
tizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost : teaching them to observe all 
things whatsoever I have commanded you." In obe- 
dience to this direction, his disciples preached his gos- 
pel in various parts of the earth; and as many as pro- 
fessed " repentance toward God, and faith toward our 
Lord Jesus Christ," were received and acknowledged 
by baptism as members of his church. The Jews 
were required to renounce their corrupt prejudices 
and customs ; the heathens, to forsake their idolatry 
and superstition : and it was enjoined upon both, that 
they should relinquish every evil thought and way, 
enter upon a new and better course of thinking and 
living, and be guided in all respects by the sacred 
principles of the gospel, if they were desirous of se- 
curing the blessedness of true Christians. 

By the ordinance of baptism, Christ has most wisely 
provided for preserving his church, and for main- 
taining among us a sense of the holiness and rege- 
nerating influence of his doctrine. Water was 
appointed by him to be employed as an emblem of 
spiritual purity, or of that moral and religious im- 
provement in which all our Christian advantages 
are to terminate. And it is designed by him, that 

47* 



64 BAPTISM. 

it shall be said of all who embrace his religion : 
" Ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified, 
in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of 
our God." 

Such is the origin and nature of this rite. You, my 
brother, (sister,) in the profession of your Christian 
faith, present yourself to be baptized according to this 
institution. I ask you, therefore, in the presence of 
these witnesses, and before that august Being who 
searcheth the heart, 

Q. Do you sincerely believe in the divine authority 
of the religion of Jesus, as it is contained in holy scrip- 
ture, receiving it as the rule of your faith, and as your 
guide through all the changes of this life to that 
which is to come? Answ. I do. 

Q. Do you renounce all sinful desires and works, 
and promise, by the help of God, to adorn your pro- 
fession with a holy life and conversation ? 

A. I do ; and, by the help of God, I will endeavour 
to fulfil this promise. 

Upon this your solemn profession and promise, I 
baptize thee, N, in the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 

Let us pray. — 

Almighty and most merciful God, the Father of 
our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath taught us by his 
own conduct to fulfil all righteousness ; we offer unto 
thee our thankful acknowledgments that this thy ser- 
vant has now been engrafted into the body of 
Christ's church, and been made a partaker of those 
heavenly blessings which we have received through 
our great Mediator. Accept, we beseech thee, this 
instance of his obedience to thy will, and this mani- 
festation of h is desire to please thee. I£ through his 
own neglect and the temptations which are in the 
world, he has entertained any evil affection or offend- 
ed against thy holy laws ; we beseech thee, in thine 






BAPTISM. 65 

infinite mercy, to pardon him. Pour out upon him 
thy Holy Spirit, and assist him to accomplish his vows. 
Incline his heart to study with diligence and meek- 
ness the sacred records of our religion, to receive 
with all readiness the doctrines and instructions of thy 
Son, to submit faithfully to the authority of his laws, 
and on no occasion to be afraid or ashamed of con- 
fessing his name. Give him strength to triumph 
over every allurement and terror, that would draw 
him aside from the path of duty ; that, as Christ died 
and rose again, so he, being baptized, may die unto 
sin and rise unto righteousness. Help him to avail 
himself of all the means which thou hast appointed 
for his improvement, that he may grow daily in 
every virtue which relates to thee, to his neigh- 
bour, and himself. Assist him to be fervent in spirit, 
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing in- 
stant in prayer, blessing those who persecute him, 
rejoicing with them that rejoice, and weeping with 
them that weep. May his deportment contribute to 
confute the enemies of Christianity, # to edify its friends, 
and to prove to the doubting that it is the power of God 
unto salvation to all who uprightly believe and seri- 
ously apply it. Experiencing that the yoke of Christ 
is easy and his burden light, and blessed with a large 
measure of that consolation and cheerfulness which 
flow from the discoveries, the cross, and the resurrec- 
tion of his Lord ; may he prove faithful unto death, 
and finally, through thy grace, receive the crown of 
life! 

And now unto thee, who art able to keep us from 
falling, and to present us faultless before the presence 
of thy glory with exceeding joy, be glory and ma- 
jesty, dominion and power, through Jesus Christ, for 
ever and ever. Amen. 



66 CONFIRMATION. 

SECTION IX. 
THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION, 

OR THE RENEWAL OF THEIR BAPTISMAL VOWS BY SUCH 
AS WERE BAPTIZED IN INFANCY, AND HAVE COME TO 
YEARS OF DISCRETION. 

N. JB. — This rite is performed publicly in the pre- 
sence of the congregation ; the Catechumens having 
been previously instructed in a regular series of lee- 
tures concerning the doctrines and duties of the Chris- 
tian religion, and having been examined before the 
officers of the church, or the congregation generally. 
The minister introduces the service with a suitable 
hymn and prayer, and with a short address to the 
audience respecting the nature and use of this solem- 
nity, as an impressive mode of admitting new mem- 
bers into church- communion. The candidates for 
confirmation being then placed before the altar, the 
minister proposes to them the following, or similar 
questions. 

Q. I ask you, my friends, in the presence of om- 
niscient God, and of this assembly : Do you believe 
with all the heart in the divine authority of the reli- 
gion of Christ, and accept it as the most precious gift 
of heaven to man, as an infallible guide to happiness 
in time and eternity ? Do you revere Jesus Christ 
as the Son of God, as the Mediator and Saviour of 
mankind, as your Lord, Master, and Judge 1 And 
do you intend to profess him and his gospel before 
men without fear or shame, and to be faithful to him 
until the end of life ? 

A. I do. 

Q. As Christianity is a practical religion, and faith 
without good works is dead and vain : Are you seri- 
ously resolved to love the Lord your God with all the 
heart, and to love your fellow-men as yourselves % 



CONFIRMATION. 67 

Will you strive to grow in piety and virtue, to live 
as the disciples of that Redeemer who was holy and 
undefiled, and to imitate his encouraging and unspot- 
ted example? 

A. I will, by the help of God. 

Q. Do you now confirm and ratify the solemn 
promises made at your baptism, renewing and as- 
suming the same for yourselves ? 

A. I do. 

The catechumens then kneeling or standing around 
the altar, the minister lays his hand on the head of 
each, and accompanies this act with the following 
prayer. 

May Almighty God, the Father of mercies, ever 
multiply unto you his grace and peace. May he en- 
able you, by his Holy Spirit, to become true followers 
of his Son ; defend you in every time of danger ; pre- 
serve you faithful unto the end ; and bring you to the 
happiness of his heavenly kingdom. Amen. 

The minister then gives his right hand to each 
of the catechumens, saying, 

Upon the voluntary professions and promises which 
you have now made, I receive you as members of 
this Christian congregation, and give you, in its name, 
the right hand of brotherly fellowship and love ; 
authorizing you to join us in the celebration of the 
Lord's supper, and to participate in all our spiritual 
privileges, so long as your deportment shall corres- 
pond with your present engagement. 

Let us unite our supplications to the throne of grace, 
in behalf of these our Christian brethren. 

Almighty and everlasting God, whom the heaven 
of heavens cannot contain, who art the Rewarder of 
all that diligently seek thee! we raise our hearts unto 
thee with thanksgiving for the establishment of thy 
church and for the means of grace. We bless thee, 
that, after our Lord Jesus Christ had made perfect 



68 CONFIRMATION. 

our redemption by his death, resurrection, and ascen- 
sion, he sent abroad into the world his disciples to 
gather together a great flock of those who should be- 
lieve in his name. We bless thee, that the day- 
spring from on high has visited our land, that these 
thy servants were born to the possession of the un- 
speakable advantages of thy holy gospel, and that 
they have now been disposed and enabled by thy 
goodness to make a profession of their Christian faith. 
Thou hast delivered them from the power of dark- 
ness, and translated them into the kingdom of thy 
dear Son. Thou hast brought them to know in whom 
to believe, and to trust, what duties they have to per- 
form, and what is necessary to qualify them for thy fa- 
vour and celestial happiness. Thou hast helped them 
to see, that Christ Jesus is the way, the truth, and the 
life, the author of eternal salvation to all those who 
obey him. — Merciful God ! be pleased to accept the 
sacrifices of their hearts, and to accomplish the desires 
and prayers which they address to thy throne. Let 
them not forget the vows, which they have made unto 
thee, the righteous and holy Ruler ; and let thy Provi- 
dence and Spirit assist them to carry them into execu- 
tion. Perfect, we beseech thee, the good work which 
is begun in their souls, and help them to press towards 
the mark for the prize of their high calling in Jesus 
Christ. Increase their knowledge, and assist them 
perfectly to understand thy word. Strengthen their 
faith, and make it steadfast and immoveable. Fill 
their minds with love to thee, with love to their 
Redeemer, with love to all their fellow-men. Lead 
them to pursue with increasing ardour whatsoever 
things are honest, true, just, pure, amiable, and of 
good report. Amidst the tumults of the world, holy 
Father ! save them from the evils which are in the 
world, and suffer them not to become unmindful of 
their exalted destination. When they are tempted to 



CONFIRMATION. 69 

sin, to folly, or to the neglect of their duty, let the re- 
membrance of this sacred hour and of this solemn 
engagement penetrate their hearts, and make them 
victorious in the conflict. — And while it is their great 
aim to secure thy friendship, and so to act that the 
name of the Lord Jesus may be glorified in them ; we 
pray thee, heavenly Father, to support, to comfort them, 
and to supply all their wants. Enable them habitu- 
ally to rejoice in thee, to repose unbounded confidence 
in thy promises, and to find by their own happy expe- 
rience that religion's ways are ways of pleasantness, 
and that all her paths are paths of peace. Assist 
them, in celebrating the supper of their Lord, to rea- 
lize all the honour and blessedness of belonging to him, 
and of being united to him for ever. And when they 
shall be removed from this scene of trial, grant that 
they may be found among those, who have fought a 
good fight, finished their course, and kept their faith, 
and whom thy grace will receive into the realms of 
endless praise and glory, through Jesus Christ, our 
Mediator and Redeemer. Amen. 

A suitable address is then delivered to those who 
have confirmed their baptismal vows, and an ex- 
hortation is given to the congregation present to re- 
ceive them as brethren, and to promote their improve- 
ment and comfort by hind assistance^ affectionate 
counsel, and spotless examples : after which, the 
service may be concluded with a prayer like the 
following : 

Most gracious God ! we adore thine unspeakable 
goodness in preserving and blessing this portion of 
the church of thy Son, and in adding to it new mem- 
bers from time to time. O grant, that Christian truth 
and piety may continually flourish amongst us, that 
we may maintain the honour of our religion by puri- 
ty of mind and righteousness of life. Pour out into 
every heart that most excellent gift of chanty, the 



70 PREPARATION FOR 

bond of perfectness ; and help us to live in peace, that 
thou, the God of peace, mayest be with us. Preserve 
us from giving offence and an occasion of falling to any. 
Excite us to assist, console, and strengthen one ano- 
ther, and to travel together to the heavenly land as 
brothers and sisters in the Lord. And when thou 
shalt be pleased to call us away from thy church on 
earth, vouchsafe to unite us with all thy faithful and 
obedient servants in heaven. Hear our prayers, we 
beseech thee, most merciful Father, through Jesus 
Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen. 



SECTION X. 
ORDER OF THE SERVICE 

PREPARATORY TO THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S 
SUPPER. 

The exercises, which are usually held on the day 
preceding the Communion, commence with the sing- 
ing of an appropriate hymn, and with prayer. A 
discourse is then delivered, adapted to the occasion; 
after which the minister addresses the following, or 
similar questions to the communicants : 

I ASK you, my Friends, before Almighty God, and 
upon the evidence of your own consciences, whether 
you really feel, lament, and acknowledge, that you 
are sinners ; that, by omitting to do good, and actually 
doing evil, you have offended against your righteous 
Lawgiver and Judge, and rendered yourselves ob- 
noxious to his displeasure ? If this is the sincere and 
humble confession of your hearts, make it manifest 
with your lips by saying, " Yes." 
Ans. Yes. 



THE LORD'S SUPPER. 71 

I ask you, whether you firmly believe, that Jesus 
Christ has come into the world to save sinners, and 
that all those, who sincerely accept and obey his gos- 
pel, do receive the forgiveness of their sins and eter- 
nal life? Are you truly desirous to be delivered from 
your transgressions ; and have you an earnest solici- 
tude to partake of God's mercy to the penitent and 
faithful ? 

Ans. Yes. 

I ask you, whether you are fully resolved to submit 
yourselves in future to the gracious direction of the 
divine Spirit, so that you may no more purposely 
offend, but be enabled to hate and avoid all manner 
of evil, to walk circumspectly before God, and to fol- 
low after holiness ? If this is you upright intention 
and purpose, announce it in the presence of God and 
of each other, by saying, "Yes." 
Ans. Yes. 

Let us unite in making this confession in prayer to 
the throne of grace. 

Here one of the forms of general confession may 
be used. See page 3 — 6. Or the minister may ad- 
dress the Father of mercies in any other prayer 
which he shall consider proper. This act of devo- 
tion being performed, the minister may say to the 
communicants : 

Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, who desireth not the death of a sinner, but 
rather that he may turn from his wickedness and 
live, having giv3n commandment to his minis ers to 
declare to all who are truly penitent, the absolution of 
their sins, — I pronounce to you, who in your hearts be- 
lieve in Jesus Christ, and fully purpose a life of obe- 
dience and piety, the forgiveness of your errors and 
offences. Doubt not, I intreat you, but be completely 
assured, that, if you hunger and thirst after righteous- 
ness, you shall be satisfied and have cause to rejoice in 

48 



72 THE LORD'S SUPPER. 

the God of your salvation. He is the Lord God merci- 
ful and gracious; his covenant stands sure for ever. 
To call in question the fulfilment of his promises, would 
be ingratitude and impiety. The Spirit of Christ and 
Christianity is not the spirit of bondage and fear, but 
the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Fa- 
ther. — But, while the gospel of Jesus commands us to 
bind up the broken-hearted, and to declare peace and 
good-will to all who are reconciled unto God s govern- 
ment and laws ; it threatens indignation and wrath, 
tribulation and anguish against the workers of iniquity. 
My duty to you requires me, therefore, to state in the 
most explicit terms, that, if we are impenitent, and 
either live in the open violation of God's holy com- 
mandments, or hypocritically put on the form of god- 
liness, all our confessions and promises will be unavail- 
ing; and that we shall be unable to escape from the 
wrath to come, unless we be renewed in our minds 
and lives, while the day of grace is prolonged. 

May God have mercy upon every one of us, par- 
don and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and 
strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to ever- 
lasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



SECTION XL 

THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE 
LORDS SUPPER. 

After the usual morning service, the minister, 
standing at the communion-table, addresses the 
Communicants, 

" Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts : the whole 
earth is full of his glory." 

Dearly Beloved, 
As you intend to come to the holy Communion, which 
our Lord ordained to be a memorial of his sufferings 






the lord's supper. 73 

and death, and a means of improving his disciples in 
their attachment and obedience to his divine religion ; 
I exhort you to raise your hearts unto God in prayer, 
devoutly relying on the sure promise that your hum- 
ble petitions shall be heard and accepted. 

I exhort you, moreover, in the name of our Lord 
Jesus, that you draw near in this sacred ordinance, 
in the Kvely exercised of faith ; directing your grateful 
attention to those words of its institution, in which the 
blessed Redeemer declares, that his body is given 
and his blood is shed for our benefit and for the remis- 
sion of sin. Showing forth the Lord's death, let us me- 
ditate upon his love, and rejoice in that grace which is 
conferred through him upon the children of men. 
Let us pray. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy 
name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on 
earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily 
bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive 
those who trespass against us. And lead us not into 
temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the 
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and 
ever. 

Almighty and most merciful God, unto whom all 
hearts are open and all desires are known; we rejoice 
and praise thee, that we are permitted to come into 
thy presence with the full assurance that thou art the 
Friend and Father of the children of men. Glory be 
to thee, that, when all flesh had corrupted its way, 
and the nations of the earth were dead in trespasses 
and sins, without the knowledge of thee, and without 
hope, thine eye beheld them with pity, and thine arm 
was outstretched for their deliverance. Glory be to 
thee, that in the fulness of time thou didst send thine 
only-begotten and well-beloved Son, not that he should 
be the messenger of wo, not that he should condemn 
the world, but that the world through him might be 



74 the lord's supper. 

saved. Glory be to thee, that he is made unto us 
wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification and re- 
demption. Glory be to thee, for his precious disco- 
vers and doctrines, for his astonishing works, and 
for his spotless example. Glory be to thee, that he 
was made perfect through sufferings, that he humbled 
himself and became obedient unto the death of the 
cross, that he is set forth to be a mercy-seat through 
faith in his blood, the propitiation for our sins, and not 
for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 
Glory be to thee, that by his death he has destroyed 
the terrors of the grave, that he is exalted above prin- 
cipalities and powers, that a name is given him which 
is above every name, that he is able to save unto the 
uttermost all those that come unto thee through him, 
and that he has entered into heaven as our Captain 
and Forerunner. Glory be to thee, that means and 
opportunities are afforded us for strengthening our 
affection to thy dear Son, and for imbibing his holy 
temper and disposition. In compliance with his sacred 
injunction, we would now celebrate his dying love, 
profess his name before men, take the cup of his sal- 
vation, and triumph in his cross. And we beseech 
thee, O most merciful Father, to accept this our sa- 
crifice of praise and thanksgiving, and to grant, that 
we may obtain all the benefits which flow from his 
death, his resurrection, and his glory. We presume 
not to come to thine altar, trusting in any righteous- 
ness of our own, but in thine infinite compassion and 
mercy in Christ Jesus. We beseech thee to pardon 
all our imperfections and iniquities, according to the 
gracious covenant, which thou hast been pleased to 
make with thy people through him. We renounce 
every passion and pursuit, inconsistent with thy ser- 
vice and with the gratitude which we owe to our 
magnanimous Deliverer. We present and devote to 
thee, O God, our bodies and our souls, to be a reason- 



THE LORD'S SUPPER. 75 

able, holy, and living sacrifice. And we implore thy 
gracious assistance, that we may be crucified unto 
the world, and that we may ever hereafter live by 
the faith of thy Son, who loved us and gave himself 
for us. In all the circumstances of this mortal life, 
may we tread in his footsteps with increasing fidelity 
and delight. Though we see him not, may we re- 
joice in him with joy unspeakable and full of glory ; 
and at last receive the end of our faith, even the sal- 
vation of our souls. 

Blessed be thou, O God, that peace on earth, and 
good- will to men, is proclaimed from heaven. Blessed 
be thou, the Son of the Most High, who hast redeem- 
ed us by thy blood, and made us kings and priests 
unto God. Blessing and honour, and glory and 
power, be unto Him that sitteth on the throne, and 
unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Amen. 

" Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the night in which he 
was betrayed, took bread ; and when he had given 
thanks, he brake it, and gave it unto his disciples, 
saying, Take, eat ; this is my body which is given 
for you. Do this in remembrance of me. And, at 
the same time, after supper, he took the cup, gave 
thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all 
of this ; this cup is the New Testament in my blood, 
which is shed for you and for many, for the remis- 
sion of sins. Do this, as often as ye drink it, in 
remembrance of me." 

Thus commanded and invited, let us approach the 
table of the Lord, my brethren, with devotion and 
faith, with gratitude and charity, with penitence and 
n °ly j°y- In tne name of Christ, our common and 
only Master, I say to all who own him as their Saviour, 
and resolve to be his faithful subjects : ye are welcome 
to this feast of love. 

When the minister presents the bread to the com" 
48* 



76 THE LORD S SUPPER. 

municants, he says to them : Jesus said, take and eat ; 
this is my body which is given for you. Do this in 
remembrance of me. 

When the minister delivers the cup to them, he 
says : Jesus said, drink ye all of this ; this cup is the 
New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you 
and for many, for the remission of sin. Do this in 
remembrance of me. 

The minister is at liberty to substitute any other 
words in the place of these; and it is desirable, that 
he should endeavour to keep alive the devotion of the 
communicants by appropriate addresses to them, or 
by suitable passages of scripture like the following : 
John iii. 16. Matth. xi. 28, 29, 30. John xv. 13. Rom. 
iii. 24, 25. Rom. v. 7, 8. Rom. viii. I. Rom. viii. 32. 
34. 2 Cor. v. 19. 1 Tim. i. 15. 1 John ii. 1, 2. iv. 

10. Isaiah i. 16, 17, 18. Isaiah lv. 7. Ezekiel xxxiii. 

11. Hebrews xii. 22, 23, 24. 2 Tim. ii. 11, 12, 13. 
Rom. viii. 17, 18. 1 Cor. ii. 9. xv. 55, 56, 57. I John 
iii. 2. John xiv. 2, 3. These express the comfort 
ard hope of Christians. The sanctity of our profes- 
sion, as followers of Christ, is exhibited in such as 
these :— Matth. v. 3—10. Matth. v. 48. Matth. vii. 12. 
Matth. vii. 21. John xiii. 14, 15. John xiv. 23. xv. 4, 
5, G. 8. 10. 12. 14. John v. 28, 29. Acts xvii. 31. 
Rom. vi. 22, 23. viii. 6. 9. 13, 14. xii. 9, 10, 11, 12, 
13, 14, 15. 1 Cor. xv. 58. Gal. v. 22, 23,24. Philipp. 
ii. 5. iii. 20. Coloss. iii. 1, 2, 3. 1 Tim. iv. 8. Titus 
ii. 11, 12, 13, 14. Hebrews xii. 1,2. 14. James ii. 26. 
1 Peter ii. 21, 22, 23. 1 John iv. 11. 16. 20. Rev. iii. 
11. 21. ii. 10. 

When all have received the communion^ the minis- 
ter addresses the congregation. — 

O give thanks unto the Lord, " for he is good ; and 
his mercy endureth for ever." 
Let us pray. 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father ! we, thine un 



the lord's supper. 77 

worthy servants, offer unto thee our united thanks 
for the comfort and refreshment, the instruction and 
improvement, which thou hast been pleased to afford 
us in the commemoration of the life, the death, and 
the glory of thy blessed Son. How can we ever be 
sufficiently grateful to thee, for preparing such a table 
for us in the wilderness of this world ! What good 
thing can we ever want, whilst we have thee for our 
Shepherd ? What mercy wilt thou refuse to those, 
whom thou hast redeemed, not with corruptible things, 
but with the precious blood of Jesus Christ ! What 
consolation and joy are poured into our hearts, whilst 
we contemplate him crucified and risen again, triumph- 
ing over all his foes and ours, seated at thy right 
hand, and raising his disciples to his own glory and 
happiness ! 

O God ! grant that we may be made conformable 
unto his death, and experience more and more per- 
fectly the power of his resurrection. As we have 
now received the Lord Jesus for our Saviour and 
King, help us to walk in him, to be transformed into 
his image, and to rely with invincible faith upon his 
promises. May we demonstrate our love to him by 
constantly keeping his commandments. May we 
make his cause our own personal concern, labour to 
promote it with all our powers, and rejoice in every 
instance of its success. Having professed ourselves 
brethren, members of the same spiritual body, may 
we ever be careful to exercise friendship and kind- 
ness towards all men ; and help each other, to the 
best of our ability, in our journey to the land of im- 
mortality. May the sentiments and resolutions, which 
we now entertain, animate us in all the changes of 
this transitory state. May we go forth into the world, 
candidates for a crown of glory that fadeth not away, 
looking habitually unto Jesus, the author and finisher 
of our faith, and anticipating his second coming with 



78 THE CONSECRATION 

exalted and immoveable hope. Under the trials and 
temptations of life, may thy grace be sufficient for us, 
and thy Providence and Spirit sustain and comfort us. 
In the hour of death, may we commend our souls to 
thee, with the humble, joyful assurance of forgiveness 
and acceptance through our great Mediator. And 
when he shall appear, may we also appear with him 
in glory, be acknowledged as his disciples before an- 
gels and men, and be added to the general assembly 
and church of the first-born in heaven. 

Finally, we beseech thee, O most merciful God ! to 
extend the advantages, which we enjoy this day, to 
all mankind. Have pity upon all Jews, Heathens, 
Mahometans, and unbelievers. Take from them all 
ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of thy 
word ; and let them be saved among those who wor- 
ship and serve thee in spirit and in truth. Grant, 
that all Christians may love each other as one fold, 
having one Shepherd, and be careful to maintain good 
works. Comfort every sorrowful heart. And vouch- 
safe to unite the whole human family in endless har- 
mony and felicity, through Jesus Christ our Lord and 
Saviour. Amen. 

The service is concluded with a hymn and one of 
the usual benedictions. 



SECTION XII. 

A FORM FOR THE CONSECRATION OF A 
CHURCH. 

After the singing of an appropriate hymn, the offi- 
ciating minister may say : 

Dearly beloved, 
Man is a social as well as a moral being ; and the 
wants and mercies common to all, as well as the ex- 



OF A CHURCH. 79 

press commands of our Maker, prompt us to social 
acts of devotion. For their due performance, it is 
necessary, not only that special seasons, but also that 
particular places, should be appropriated. Conve- 
nience and utility obviously require them ; the erec- 
tion of them is sanctioned by the divine appointment 
of the tabernacle and temple under the old dispensa- 
tion ; the importance of frequenting them is enforced 
by the example of our blessed Saviour and the lessons 
of his apostles : and the consecration of them to the 
service of the Most High, or the separation of them 
from worldly and common uses is desirable, that 
when we meet together for religious purposes, no 
thought or emotion may be enkindled by the place, 
foreign to that momentous object. 

For such a consecration we are now assembled. 
In the name of the society by which this building has 
been reared, I therefore pronounce it to be set apart 
henceforth for offices sacred and divine. We dedi- 
cate it to the honour of Almighty God, our heavenly 
Father; for the offering up to him of praise and 
prayer ; for the celebration of his Sacraments ; for the 
reading and expounding of his word. We dedicate 
it to the maintenance and extension of the gospel of 
his only Son, the Enlightener and Redeemer of the 
world ; to the influences of his Spirit, the Spirit of 
truth and holiness: to the promotion of Christian 
unity, peace, and charity. And I beseech you to ac- 
company me in looking up to the throne of heavenly 
grace for God's blessing upon this interesting and use- 
ful design. 

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and 
honour, for thou hast created all things, and by thee 
they are constantly supported and upheld. Great and 
marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty ! just 
and true are thy ways, thou King of saints ! Who 
shall not fear thee, and glorify thy name ? for thou 



80 THE CONSECRATION 

only art holy. All nations shall come and wor- 
ship before thee ; for thy judgments are made mani- 
fest. 

The heavens, yea, the heaven of heavens cannot 
contain thee : yet adored be thy name, that thou art 
inviting us to communion with thyself the everlasting 
fountain of light, love, and joy. Adored be thy name, 
that it is life eternal, to know thee, the only true God, 
and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. Adored be 
thy name, that thy service is perfect freedom, and 
that in keeping thy commandments there is a great 
reward. 

Accept our thanks, Parent of mercies, for disposing 
thy servants to erect this house for thine honour and 
the edification of immortal souls. Accept the conse- 
cration of it to thy service, to the religion of Jesus 
Christ thy Son, to the operation of thy Holy Spirit. 
Look down in mercy upon this sanctuary, to protect 
it from every danger; and upon all who shall assem- 
ble here from time to time, to gladden them with thy 
blissful presence. Accomplish in their behalf O 
Lord, thy promise to dwell in the midst of them, that 
thou mayst be their God, and that they may be thy 
people. May they always enter thy sanctuary with 
reverence, and never leave it without a blessing. 
And whatsoever they here do in word or deed, may 
they do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. 

Grant, O God, that all who shall in this place be 
received into Christ's church by baptism, may become 
and continue his true disciples ; and that all who shall 
here confirm the vows made at their baptism, may 
fulfil the same to the end of their lives. 

Grant, O God, that all who shall in this place 
commemorate the death of thy Son, who loved us 
and gave himself for us, may approach his table with 
a Christian temper of mind, habitually adorn their pro- 



OF A CHURCH. 81 

fession, and rejoice in the blessings of the everlasting 
covenant. 

Grant, O God, that whenever thy word shall here be 
read and preached, it may be delivered in its purity and 
power, be received into good and honest hearts, and 
be rendered, by thy mighty aid, productive of the 
fruits of righteousness and godliness. 

Grant, O God, that all, who shall within these 
walls show forth thy praise, give thee thanks for thy 
mercies, confess to thee their sins, and supplicate thy 
favours for themselves and their fellow-men, may wor- 
ship thee in spirit and truth, obtain from thee forgive- 
ness and acceptance, rely upon thee with unwavering 
confidence, and go hence persuaded, that this is in- 
deed a house of God and a gate of heaven. 

" Save now, O Lord, we beseech thee ; send now 
prosperity. Let thy work appear unto thy servants, 
thy glory unto their children ; and let the beauty of 
the Lord our God be upon us." And, "being built 
upon the foundation of the prophets and apostles, 
Jesus Christ himself the chief corner-stone, may we 
now grow unto a holy temple in the Lord ;" and finally, 
by thy grace, be received into that temple not made 
with hands, in which everlasting hallelujahs ascend to 
thee. Amen. 

Portions of scripture, proper to be read on such 
an occasion, may be found in 1 Kings viii. 22 — 62. 
Psalm xxiv. Psalm lxxxiv. John iv. 20 — 24. Acts 
xvii. 22—31. Colossians iii. 12 — 17. and Hebrews x. 
19—29. 



82 THE ORDINATION 



SECTION XIII. 

A FORM FOR THE ORDINATION OF 
A MINISTER. 

The service may be introduced with the usual 
religious exercises, followed by a sermon suited to the 
occasion : after which, this or any similar prayer 
may be used. 

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, the Father of 
lights, from whom cometh every good and perfect 
gift ! we, thine unworthy servants, would praise and 
magnify the riches of thy grace, in the ample provi- 
sion thou hast made for our instruction and improve- 
ment, and especially in the glorious gospel of thy Son 
Jesus Christ. We rejoice, that the great salvation, 
which at first began to be spoken by the Lord, was 
confirmed unto the world by them that heard him, 
thou thyself bearing them witness with signs and won- 
ders, and gifts of the Holy Ghost. We tbank thee 
for the diffusion and establishment of Christianity; 
for all its triumphs over error and vice ; for all the 
benefits it has conferred upon individuals and com- 
munities. We bless thee, that in thy good providence 
thou hast raised up in every age, and art still raising 
up, pastors and teachers, for the defence and propa- 
gation of the truth as it is in Jesus, for the direction 
of the offices of social worship, and for the promotion 
of the influence of religion and virtue. And we be- 
seech thee, O Lord, to sanctify and govern thy church 
by thy word; to extend it to earth's remotest bounds; 
to send forth more labourers into thy harvest; to 
communicate a divine energy to all who minister in 
holy things; and to help all who call themselves 
Christians, to increase continually in faith, hope, and 
charity. "Be merciful unto us, and bless us, and 



OF A MINISTER. 83 

cause thy face to shine upon us. Let thy way be 
known upon earth, thy saving health among all na- 
tions. Let the people praise thee, O God j yea, let 
all the people praise thee. Amen." 

Selections from the Scriptures may then he read ; 
such as John x. 1 — 16. Ephesians iv. 1 — 17. and 
portions of the epistles to Timothy and Titus; after 
which the minister to be ordained may be addressed 
in the following or similar questions. 

Do you firmly believe, that the gospel of Christ is 
the power of God unto salvation to every one that 
believeth ? 

Are you entirely satisfied, that the Sacred Scrip- 
tures of the Old and New Testament contain a full 
account of the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ and 
of all things necessary for eternal salvation? 

Are you determined to study these Holy Scriptures 
with diligence and fidelity ; to make them the direc- 
tory of your faith and practice ; from them to derive 
the religious instructions you shall dispense to others ; 
to teach nothing, but what you are persuaded may be 
proved from them ; and to conduct public worship, to 
administer the sacraments, and to exercise admoni- 
tion and discipline, according to the institutions and 
precepts contained in them? 

Are you resolved to apply yourself to those 
branches of learning, which may further prepare you 
for the ministry, and assist you in the discharge of 
its duties ; to maintain an exemplary walk and con- 
versation in a godly, righteous, and sober life ; to live 
in harmony with your brethren, in peace with your 
fellow-Christians generally, and in good-will toward 
all mankind ? 

Are you determined faithfully to observe the con- 
stitution and rules of this Ministerium, whilst you are 
connected with it ; and to show a due regard to the 

.49 



84 THE ORDINATION 

rites, usages, and privileges of the church, in which 
you are invited to labour? 

Satisfactory answers having been made to these 
questions, the President of the ministerium shall pro- 
nounce the candidate invested with the office of a 
minister of the gospel, and welcome him to his work. 
After which, he and the other officers of the ministe- 
rium, or some of the elder clergymen, laying their 
right hands on the head of the minister to be 
ordained, the president offers up this prayer or any 
other of a similar tenour. 

O most merciful God, our heavenly Father, the 
protector of them that trust in thee, the rewarder of 
all that diligently seek thee ; without whom nothing 
is strong, nothing is holy ! we beseech thee graciously 
to behold this thy servant, now set apart for the mo- 
mentous office of a minister of thy gospel, and 
a pastor in thy church, and to enrich him with all the 
gifts necessary to the right performance of the same. 
Let it please thee to impress his soul with just views 
of that religion which he is bound to recommend to 
others, in all its momentous facts, heavenly doctrines, 
righteous statutes, awakening motives, and encourag- 
ing promises ; and with a deep sense of that solemn 
account of his stewardship, which thou wilt hereafter 
demand from him. Pour out upon him more and 
more, we pray thee, the spirit of wisdom, purity, and 
power ; and animate his heart with entire devotion to 
thy service, with ardent attachment to his Master, 
Jesus Christ, with generous concern for the souls of 
men. Command thy blessing on his private studies 
and his public labours; that he may approve himself 
an able minister of the new covenant, a workman that 
need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth 
Assist him to take heed unto himself, that he may 
maintain an amiable and useful character in every 
relation, and be supremely solicitous to commend him- 



OF A MINISTER. 85 

self to thee, regarding it as a very small thing to be 
judged of men. Vouchsafe to support him amidst 
the toils, difficulties, and dangers, to which he shall be 
called ; to cheer him with the affectionate regards of 
the people, with whom he shall be united ; and to 
comfort him by the expectation of that glorious re- 
compense, which the chief Shepherd of thy flock shall 
bestow upon his faithful followers. Prosper him, we 
entreat thee, in every endeavour to train up the young 
in the nurture and admonition of the Lord ; to turn 
the ignorant and the wicked from the error of their 
ways to the wisdom of the just; to establish the well- 
disposed in piety, virtue, and peace ; and to impart 
the sweet consolations of the gospel to all that are in 
sorrow and affliction. Should any of his efforts fail 
to be successful, preserve him, O Lord, from being 
wearied and faint in thy cause. And at the second 
coming of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to judge the world, 
may it please thee to give him many as the crown of 
his rejoicing, and to unite him in heavenly places with 
all those who shall shine as the brightness of the fir- 
mament and as the stars for ever and ever. Grant 
it, O most merciful God, we beseech thee, for thy 
goodness' sake, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator 
and Redeemer. Amen. 

The hand of fellowship having been given by the 
ministerial brethren present, a charge is addressed 
to the minister ordained, and also to his congrega- 
tion, if witnesses of the rite. A suitable hymn, and 
the benediction, close the service. 



86 THE INAUGURATION 



SECTION XIV. 

A FORM FOR THE INAUGURATION OF 
THE RULING OFFICERS OF A CONGRE- 
GATION. 

N. B. The Lutheran churches in this country, al- 
though united in Synods, having, independently of 
each other, framed such regulations as each judged 
most expedient and necessary for its own government, 
do not entirely agree in the names and powers of their 
rulers; and, hence, only the general appellation, 
"ruling officers," is used in this form. 

The minister, having presented the thanks of the 
Congregation to those officers whose term of service 
had expired, and having published the names of 
those duly elected agreeably to the constitution of 
the church, may deliver the following or any similar 
address. 

My Christian -Friends, 
Order is the soul of every religious, as well as ci- 
vil society ; and the strictest order is compatible with 
freedom of conscience. A congregation cannot con- 
duct the solemnities of public worship with propriety, 
without confusion, and to its own edification, or carry 
on its outward affairs with success, unless some per- 
sons are appointed to rule according to prescribed 
laws. Even in the time of the apostles, churches 
were not only provided with regular teachers, but 
each of them was also placed under the care of par- 
ticular inspectors, whose office it was to secure and 
promote its prosperity. 

The same duty is incumbent upon " the Council" 
of this church. They are to take care, that " all 
things be done decently and in order;" that the ser- 
vice of God's house be performed in a manner cor- 



OF CHURCH OFFICERS. 87 

responding with the importance of this object, and the 
purity and simplicity of the gospel ; that the necessary 
instruction, consolation, and excitement to the prac- 
tice of godliness and virtue, be afforded to the young 
and the old ; and that Christian morals be cultivated 
and preserved among the members of the congrega- 
tion. They are bound to endeavour to restore such 
as are overtaken in a fault, in the spirit of meekness ; 
to admonish and warn open offenders ; and, if neces- 
sary, to reprove them with the utmost seriousness, 
with a view to recover them from the error of their 
ways. They are to be particularly solicitous to pre- 
vent litigation and strife, to bring about a speedy re- 
conciliation between contending parties, to relieve the 
poor, and to encourage and spread as much as possi- 
ble a spirit of harmony, friendship, and brotherly love 
among all who are connected with this society. And 
they are to employ all proper means, at the same 
time, for advancing the external welfare of the church, 
and for increasing its ability to give assistance to si- 
milar institutions, and to aid others in the diffusion of 
the divine word. 

The officers elect standing before the altar, the 
minister says to them : 

These, my brethren, are the chief duties, which 
you have been chosen to fulfil. That the congrega- 
tion may be certified of your willingness to discharge 
them, I ask you, in the presence of God and of your 
fellow-worshippers, whether you heartily believe in 
the truth of the Christian religion % whether you are 
persuaded that you are lawfully called to the service 
of the church? and whether you are determined to 
administer its government according to the rules of 
its constitution, and the spirit and precepts of the gos- 
pel ? If this be your conviction and determination, 
please to announce it by answering, "Yes." 

Upon this your promise, I do hereby pronounce 
49* 



88 THE INAUGURATION 

you to be invested with the office to which you have 
been elected, and give you, in the name of the con- 
gregation, the right hand of Christian fellowship and 
love. 

Let us pray. 
Almighty God, our heavenly Father ! we offer un- 
to thee our united and thankful acknowledgments, 
that thou hast been pleased to introduce, to extend, 
and to support the kingdom of thy Son Christ Jesus 
on earth, and that the gates of hell have not been 
able to prevail against it. We praise thee, that we, 
whose ancestors were afar off, have been brought to 
the glorious light of thy gospel. We praise thee for 
the ministry of reconciliation, for the ordinances of 
thy house, for the comfort, joy, and improvement, 
which thou hast been pleased to bestow upon us in 
the exercises of public worship. And we beseech 
thee, O thou God of all grace ! to continue to us these 
inestimable privileges, and to help us to make a wise 
and constant use of them. Grant, that thy word may 
be preached among us in its purity ; and that all thy 
people may be disposed to hear it with attention, to 
receive it with affection, and to bring forth abundant- 
ly the fruits of righteousness. Forbid that any root 
of bitterness should spring up to trouble us. Enable 
us, whenever we assemble in this house of prayer, to 
meet together with one accord, to praise thee with 
gladness and singleness of heart, and to continue 
steadfastly in brotherly fellowship. If any of us are 
held in the bonds of iniquity : we pray thee, O Lord, 
to break the fetters of sin, and to set the prisoners 
free. If any of us are penitent for their errors and 
transgressions : we pray thee to perfect and console 
them. If any of us are sincerely devoted to thee : 
we pray thee to make them faithful, and to fill them 
with peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Instruct and 
guide our youth in the path of innocence, that, as they 



OF CHURCH OFFICERS. 89 

grow in stature, they may grow in grace and in fa- 
vour with thee and with men ; and let the hoary head 
be found in the ways of righteousness. — We implore 
thy blessing, especially, for thy servants, who have 
been called, in thy Providence, to direct the concerns 
of this part of thy church. Give them, we beseech 
thee, a large measure of the Spirit of thy Son, the 
spirit of understanding and wisdom, the spirit of piety 
and virtue, the spirit of benevolence and charity. 
Replenish them with an enlightened and active zeal 
for the happiness of their brethren. Assist them to 
discharge their obligations with alacrity, patience, 
and firmness ; and let all their consultations, influenced 
and governed by Christian love, tend to thy glory 
and the happiness of thy people. Help them to shine 
as lights before men, to be exemplary in their fami- 
lies, exemplary in their public walk and conversation, 
exemplary in their observance of religious duties, ex- 
emplary in the performance of every Christian office. 
While they study to approve themselves to thee, may 
they be honoured and esteemed by those for whom 
they labour, and rejoice in the assurance that their 
work is not in vain in the Lord. And, finally, grant, 
that they and we all, being built upon the foundation 
of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself be- 
ing the chief corner-stone, may become a holy tem- 
ple unto thee. 

Hear us, O God, of thine infinite mercy, in these 
our petitions, which we offer up in the name of thy 
Son ; and thine be all the glory and praise now and 
evermore. Amen. 



90 MATRIMONY. 

SECTION XV. 

THE SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. 

When the persons to be married are assembled 
with their friends, the minister addresses them, 
saying, 

Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here, 
in the sight of God, and in the presence of these wit- 
nesses, to join together this man and this woman in 
holy matrimony ; which was instituted of God himself 
for the happiness of mankind ; which is commended in 
his word as an honourable state ; and which is, there- 
fore, not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but 
reverently, discreetly, advisedly, and in the fear of 
God. 

And also, speaking to the persons who are to be 
married, he may say, 

I require and charge you both, as ye will answer 
at the dreadful day of judgment, when the secrets of 
all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know 
any impediment, why you may not be lawfully united 
in matrimony, ye do now confess it. For be you 
well assured, that if any persons are joined together 
otherwise than God's word allows, their marriage is 
not lawful. 

If no impediment be alleged, the minister asks the 
man, 

N. Do you take this woman to your wedded wife, 
to live together after God's ordinance in the state of 
matrimony ? Will you love her, comfort her, honour 
and keep her, as a faithful Christian husband is bound 
to do, in health and sickness, in prosperity and adver- 
sity ; and, forsaking all others, keep you only unto 
unto her, so long as you both shall live ? — 
Ans. Yes. 



MATRIMONY. 91 

The minister then asks the woman, 

N. Do you take this man to your wedded husband, 
to live together after God's ordinance in the state of 
matrimony % Will you love him, comfort him, ho- 
nour and keep him, as a faithful Christian wife is 
bound to do, in health and sickness, in prosperity and 
adversity ; and, forsaking all others, keep you only 
unto him, so long as you both live ? — 
Ans. Yes. 

Then the minister, joining their right hands toge- 
ther, may say ; 

Those, whom God hath joined together, let no man 
put asunder. 

Forasmuch as N. and N. have consented together 
in wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God 
and this company ; I pronounce that they are man 
and wife. 

Let us pray. 

O Eternal God, the Creator and Preserver of all 
mankind, the giver of all spiritual grace, the author 
of everlasting life : we would acknowledge thee in all 
our ways, and devoutly implore thy direction and 
blessing. We adore thee as the source of our bene- 
volent affections, and of all our social satisfactions 
and comforts. We praise thee, that thou hast ordain- 
ed for us domestic institutions. And we beseech thee 
to behold with thy favour and to bless these thy ser- 
vants, who have now entered into the closest and ten- 
derest of all earthly connections. Help them to ful- 
fil with fidelity the vow and covenant which they have 
made in thy presence ; that the relation, in which they 
stand to each other, may not be to them a state of 
temptation and sorrow, but of holiness, joy, and per- 
fect indissoluble friendship. Give them grace to over- 
look each other's infirmities, to cherish a due regard 
for each other's opinions and feelings, to be just to 
each other's virtues and good intentions, to improve 



92 MATRIMONY. 

each other's understanding and heart, and to travel 
together hand in hand the road which leads to heaven 
and thee. Enable them, by persevering affection, by 
a worthy deportment, and by united devotions, to 
soften to each other the unavoidable cares of life, to 
alleviate its sorrows, to increase its innocent enjoy- 
ments, and to edify their friends and all around them. 
Prosper, we beseech thee, their useful worldly pur- 
suits, if thine infinite wisdom perceives this to be good 
for them ; and, should they be visited with affliction, 
let them find a never-failing Friend and Supporter in 
thee. And, having been pious, virtuous, and happy 
in their connection here on earth, may they be at last 
united in the realms of everlasting love and bliss, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

The following exhortation may be addressed to 
the parties after marriage. 

It will be of great advantage and importance to 
you, my friends, to consider frequently and se- 
riously the sacred engagement, which you have now 
made. Marriage is the union of one man with one 
woman for their joint happiness, and for the pious 
education of children, where God gives them ; and, 
by the original appointment of the Almighty, con- 
firmed by our Saviour, (Genesis ii. 24. Matthew 
xix, 4, 5, 6.) this union is to be dissolved only by 
death. It was intended by the benevolent Parent of 
mankind, not to be a hard yoke, but a means of pro- 
moting our true happiness, and of exercising us in 
the best and most amiable dispositions. Let the ne- 
cessary care and diligence be, therefore, employed 
for the accomplishment of these momentous ends. 
Let it be always remembered by both of you, that 
your own welfare is concerned in the part which you 
act in this relation, and that you are accountable for 
your behaviour in it to the omniscient and righteous 
Judge of the living and the dead. Abhor and fly 



MATRIMONY. 93 

from every thought, word, and deed, which might 
have the slightest tendency to lessen your mutual 
esteem, to taint the chastity and purity of your hearts, 
and to tempt you to the violation of conjugal fidelity. 
Let piety, peace, concord, mildness, and forbearance, 
be your constant companions and guides. Expect 
not to find each other faultless; but recollect, that 
you are to endeavour to become so. Hope not for 
perfect and unmixed happiness : while you are in this 
world, a variety of trials must be borne ; but, if you 
faithfully discharge the duties of the state into which 
you have entered, your afflictions will be mitigated 
and your satisfactions be multiplied by sharing them 
with each other as most intimate friends and partners. 
Be not ambitious of superiority and power ; but be 
ambitious of the honour of bearing each other's bur- 
dens, of preventing each other's wishes, and of pro- 
moting each other's happiness by works of love. 
Prefer the pleasures of domestic society to all other 
earthly enjoyments, and rest assured that they are 
the most innocent and durable. Be particularly care- 
ful to sanctify your connexion by devotional exercises ; 
let the God of heaven be acknowledged and worship- 
ped in your family ; be affectionate instructors, moni- 
tors, guardians, and supporters of each other's virtue, 
and examples to all who may dwell under your roof. 
Should God bless you with children, let it be your 
chief concern, not that they should be rich or great in 
the world, but that they should be educated as Chris- 
tians ; and let it be your highest delight and your 
noblest employment, to train them up in the nurture 
and admonition of the Lord. — By following these 
counsels, you will be preserved from numberless 
evils, vexations, and sins. By obeying these dictates 
of religion, you will render your days on earth tran- 
quil, possess a conscience void of offence, and secure 
the approbation of Almighty God. And, by advanc- 



94 THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 

ing each other's best interests as immortal beings, 
you will be enabled to rejoice habitually in the pre- 
cious hope, that, although you shall be separated by 
death for a little while, you will meet again, with new 
improvements, and in happier circumstances that shall 
admit of no termination. May God grant you such 
felicity, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 



SECTION XVI. 
THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 

It is customary for the minister to make a short 
and suitable address to the family and others icho 
join the procession, at the grave, in the church, or at 
the house of the deceased. After the corpse is laid 
in the grave, the minister may make use of the fol- 
lowing form, 

Man, who is born of a woman, hath but a short time 
to live, and is full of misery. He cometh up, and is 
cut down like a flower ; he fleeth as it were a shadow, 
and never continueth in one stay. 

In the midst of life we are in death. Of whom 
may we seek for succour, but of thee, O Lord, who 
for our sins art justly displeased ? 

Yet, O Lord God most holy, O Lord most mighty, 
O holy and most merciful Saviour, deliver us not into 
the bitter pains of eternal death. 

Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts : shut 
not thy merciful ears to our prayers : but spare us, 
Lord most holy, O God most mighty, O holy and 
merciful Saviour, thou most worthy Judge eternal, suf- 
fer us not, at our last hour, for any pains of death to 
fall from thee. 

To this prayer the minister may add any other 



THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 95 

which he shall judge proper ; or he may at his dis- 
cretion, use one of the following prayers. 

Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of 
those who depart hence in the Lord ; and with whom 
the souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from 
the burthen of the flesh, are in joy and felicity : we 
give thee hearty thanks for the good examples of all 
those thy servants, who, having finished their course 
in faith, do now rest from their labours. And we 
beseech thee, that we, with all who have loved and 
served thee, may have our perfect consummation and 
bliss, both in body and soul, in thine everlasting glory 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

O merciful God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, who is the resurrection and the life ; in whom 
whosoever belie veth shall live, though he die 5 who 
also hath taught us by his holy apostle St. Paul, not 
to be sorry, as men without hope, for those who sleep 
in him : we humbly beseech thee, O Father, to raise 
us up from the death of sin unto the life of righteous- 
ness : that, when we shall depart this life, we may rest 
in him ; and that, at the general resurrection in the last 
day, we may be found acceptable in thy sight, and 
receive that blessing which thy well-beloved Son shall 
then pronounce to all that love and fear thee, saying, 
Come, ye blessed children of my Father, receive the 
kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the 
world. Grant this, we beseech thee, O merciful Fa- 
ther, through Jesus Christ our Mediator and Redeem- 
er. Amen. 

Eternal and unchangeable God, by whose Provi- 
dence we have been called to witness this instance of 
mortality, and in whose hand is the life of every hu- 
man being : enable us, we beseech thee, to lay to 
heart the serious lessons, which are now addressed to 
us. Teach us so to number our days, that we may 
apply ourselves unto wisdom, set our affections upon 



96 THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 

the things which are above, perform without delay 
the great work which thou hast given us to do, live 
by the faith of thy Son, and habitually look forward 
to his second coming. Comfort and support the spi- 
rits of thy servants, who mourn over this afflicting 
dispensation. Let their hearts be stayed upon thee, 
and rejoice in the precious discoveries of thy word. 
And let them find by their own experience, that all 
things work together for good to them that love thee. 
Amen. 

Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God, in his 
wise Providence, to take out of this world the soul of 
our deceased brother, (sister) we therefore commit 
his body to the ground ; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, 
dust to dust : looking for the general resurrection in 
the last day, and the life of the world to come, through 
our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall raise his followers 
to the participation of his own happiness and glory in 
heaven. 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of 
God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with 
us all evermore. Amen. 



PRAYERS 



FOR THE USE OF 



FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS. 



Published by order of the Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium 
of the State of New- York. 



PART I. 



PRAYERS 

FOR THE USE OF FAMILIES. 



1. 

PRAYER FOR THE LORD's-DAY MORNING. 

ALMIGHTY God, the Father of our spirits, who art 
good to all thy creatures ; unto thee would we lift up 
our souls, and magnify thy name together. 

Thou hast made us, and not we ourselves ; we are 
thy people, and the children of thy family. We will 
serve thee with gladness, and come into thy presence 
with thanksgiving. 

Thine is the greatness, and the power, and the 
glory, and the majesty. Every conceivable perfec- 
tion centres in thy character. The earth is full of 
thy goodness; in thee we live, and move, and have 
our being. Through the care of thy Providence we 
continue to this day. It is of thy mercies that we are 
not consumed ; they are new every morning ; great 
is thy faithfulness. We have slept in safety, and are 
risen in peace, for thou hast sustained us. We re- 
joice in thy Providence, and give thanks unto thee 
with our whole hearts. 

While we praise thee, heavenly Father, for the 
light of the sun, we would bless thee, more especially, 

50* 



100 PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 

for the light of the gospel of Christ Jesus, the sun of 
righteousness. We bless thee, that we are called to be 
his disciples and partakers of his resurrection and glory. 
We bless thee, that, notwithstanding our un worthiness, 
thou hast still continued unto us the means of true re- 
ligion, and dost from time to time permit us to unite 
with our brethren in the public services of thy house. 
We bless thee for the return of this day of sacred 
rest, and we desire to spend it in the performance of 
those duties for which it is set apart. Help us, we 
beseech thee, to attend with earnestness to the things 
that concern our everlasting peace. Grant that all 
our sentiments, words, and actions may be holy and 
unblamable in thy sight. Direct us in our private 
meditations and in the study of thy word. Fill us 
with the spirit of devotion in the society of our fellow- 
worshippers, and open our minds to the truths which 
may be proposed to us from the sacred oracles of re- 
velation. By attending upon the ordinances of reli- 
gion this day, may we grow wiser and better, more 
pure and holy, more meek and humble, more resigned 
and thankful, and more heartily disposed to follow 
Christ, and to keep his commandments. 

Merciful God, we beseech thee to communicate the 
happiness, which we enjoy as men and Christians, to 
all our brethren. Comfort those, who are bowed 
down by want or sorrow. Let this be a day of 
improvement and holy pleasure to every congrega- 
tion of those who profess the name of thy Son. En- 
lighten and cheer the minds, and prosper the labours 
of all the ministers of thy word. Cause thy name to 
be known in all the earth, and let the whole world be 
filled with thy glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 101 

2 

PRAYER FOR THE LORD's-DAY EVENING. 

FATHER of mercies, by whose goodness we have 
been preserved, we come before thee to acknowledge 
the riches of thy grace. Thy name is excellent; 
thy works are marvellous ; in thy favour there is life ; 
and much peace have they who love thy laws. We 
thank thee for all the happiness of our lives, for the 
stores of nature, for the advantages of society, for 
the comforts of friendship, and for the satisfactions 
which flow from our domestic relations. We thank 
thee for every opportunity of improving our mental 
faculties, for the inestimable discoveries and hopes of 
thy gospel, and for the appointment of public wor- 
ship. We thank thee for the blessings bestowed 
upon us this sacred day. We are ashamed to reflect, 
with how little ardour we engage in thy work, and 
acknowledge before thee our manifold errors and sins. 
Thou pure and perfect Spirit, forgive of thine infinite 
compassion any distraction of mind or coldness of af- 
fection, which may have attended the discharge of 
our religious duties ; and assist us to love thee more 
and to serve thee better in the time to come. Pre- 
serve us from being satisfied with the form of godli- 
ness. Whatever seeds of truth may have fallen 
into our hearts, grant that they may take deep root 
and be abundantly fruitful. By the lessons we have 
learnt, prepare us for resuming and prosecuting our 
worldly employments with a becoming frame of mind ; 
and help us to pass through every future scene of life 
under the guidance of Christian principles. 

Whilst thou shalt see fit to continue us in this 
world, it is our earnest desire and steadfast resolution 
to answer the ends for which thou hast made us. In 
the presence of each other, and before thee the all-see- 
ing witness and judge, we do at this time form the most 



102 PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 

serious purpose to guard against all vicious appetites 
and passions, to behave with fidelity, prudence, and 
kindness towards one another, to be diligent in the 
business of our several stations, to perform every so- 
cial office with conscientious care, and to remember 
the account which we must render unto thee for our 
deportment here. 

Strengthen us by thy Spirit, O God, in this resolu- 
tion. Protect us this night against the dangers to 
which we may be exposed. And, when death shall 
be our lot, enable us to observe its approach with 
composure, and receive us into thy presence where 
there is fulness of joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord 
and Saviour. Amen. 



PRAYER FOR MONDAY MORNING. 
O THOU Creator, Governor, and supporter of men ! 
thou dwellest in light, and art the father of lights. 
Grateful for the care which thou hast exercised over 
us during the night past, we would cheerfully submit 
ourselves to thy guidance through the day upon 
which have entered. Keep us in thy faith and fear, 
and secure us from every evil of soul and body. Im- 
press on our hearts a solemn sense of thy universal 
presence. Preserve us from any snares which may 
lie in our way, and especially from the sins which 
most easily beset us. Prepare us for new occurrences, 
whether prosperous or adverse, and quicken us in the 
discharge of every obligation. Let not continued 
peace and comfort make us forgetful of thee, or cor- 
rupt our minds. 

Thou prolongest our lives, that we may attain more 
and more the true end of life. May this day witness 
some improvement in knowledge, piety, and virtue. 



PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 103 

May it witness our diligence in that occupation, to 
which thou callest us — We desire and purpose to keep 
our consciences void of offence : but the experience 
which we have had of our frailty makes us diffident 
of our strength. Our confidence is in thy power to 
confirm our faith and invigorate our obedience. We 
implore thine aid, that we may run in the way of thy 
commandments. Smile on our endeavours after 
righteousness and usefulness. Teach us to feel the 
whole value of our days on earth ; and when they 
shall be finished, vouchsafe to receive us into the 
light and bliss of thy glorious presence, through Jesus 
Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 



PRAYER FOR MONDAY EVENING. 
O THOU infinitely great and adorable Majesty of 
heaven and earth ! thou art ever present to all thy 
creatures. Thou knowest our down-sitting and our 
up-rising; thou compassest our path and our lying 
down, and art acquainted with all our ways. 

Preserver of men ! at the close of another day, we 
would render unto thee our thanks for all the mer- 
cies, by which our lives have been supported and 
rendered happy. Thy sun has cheered us with its 
rays, thine air has fanned the spark of life within us, 
and by thy goodness we have been fed with food con- 
venient for us. In grateful confidence of thy mer- 
cies, we will now lay ourselves down in peace ; as- 
sured, that, if it be thy will, we shall sleep in safety, 
and rise on another morning with renewed health and 
vigour. Forgive the transgressions of the past day 
and of all past time. Whatever has been irregular in 
our dispositions, whatever we have done which we 
ought not to have done, or omitted which we ought 



104 PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 

to have performed, be pleased mercifully to pardon ; 
and grant that our circumspection in future may be 
increased. 

Hitherto thou hast helped us, provided for our ne- 
cessities, and crowned our lives with loving kindness. 
Truly our hope is in thee, and under the shadow of 
thy wings will we put our trust. We dedicate our- 
selves unto thee as our God and guide through life, 
our support and comfort in death, and after death our 
everlasting portion and felicity. Let thy goodness 
continue to fullow us ; and enable us to express our 
thankfulness by a growing holiness and resemblance 
of thee. 

Holy Watchman of thy people, who dost never 
slumber nor sleep ; thou King eternal, immortal and 
invisible ! unto thee be honour and glory for ever and 
ever. Amen. 



PRAYER FOR TUESDAY MORNING. 
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, we thy needy 
creatures render thee our humble praise for thy preser- 
vation of us from the beginning of our lives to this 
day, and especially for having delivered us from the 
dangers of the past night. To thy watchful provi- 
dence we owe it, that we have been kept in safety, 
and that no disturbance hath come nigh our dwelling. 
For these thy mercies we bless and praise thee, be- 
seeching thee to accept this morning sacrifice. And 
since it is of thy goodness, O gracious Father, that 
our existence is prolonged ; we here devote both our 
bodies and souls to thy service, in a godly, righteous, 
and sober life. Strengthen us, we beseech thee, in 
this resolution ; that, as we grow in age, we may grow 
in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Sa- 



PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 105 

viour Jesus Christ. Have compassion, we pray thee, 
on our infirmities ; and give us the constant assistance 
of thy Holy Spirit, that we may be effectually re- 
strained from sin and excited to our duty. Imprint 
upon our hearts such a dread of thy displeasure, such 
a remembrance of the great day of judgment, and 
such a grateful sense of thy goodness to us, as may 
make us both afraid and ashamed to offend thee. 
Keep us temperate in our enjoyments and diligent in 
our callings, just and upright in our dealings, peace- 
able, compassionate, and ready to do good to all men. 
Direct us in all our ways ; prosper the work of our 
hands; defend us from calamities and sufferings; or, 
if thou shalt be pleased to visit us with them, enable 
us to bear them with patience, and to be contented 
with our condition. — These things, and whatever else 
is necessary and good for us, we implore, with humble 
reliance upon thine infinite clemency in Christ Jesus 
our Mediator and Redeemer. Amen. 



6. 

PRAYER FOR TUESDAY EVENING. 
MOST merciful God, who art of purer eyes than to 
behold iniquity, and hast promised forgiveness to all 
those who confess and forsake their sins ; we come 
before thee sensible of our own unworthiness, and ac- 
knowledge our numerous transgressions of thy right- 
eous laws. Look upon us, we beseech thee, with 
compassion ; pardon, of thy free grace, all our errors 
and sins ; give us proper views of the great evil of 
them; amend the tempers and dispositions of our 
souls ; and cleanse us from all vicious thoughts, un- 
lawful designs, and inordinate desires. May we ne- 
ver suffer the sun to go down upon our wrath, but al- 
ways retire to our rest in peace, charity, and good- 



106 PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 

will, with a conscience void of offence towards thee 
and towards men. 

Accept, O Lord, our intercessions for all mankind. 
Be gracious unto thy church; let the light of thy 
gospel shine upon all .nations ; bless all in authority 
over us ; do good to our relations, friends, and neigh- 
bours; reward our benefactors; pardon those who 
have done or wish us evil, and give them better 
minds ; be merciful to all who are in any trouble ; 
and do thou, the God of pity, minister to their several 
necessities. 

Receive our thanks, great God, for our being, our 
reason, our health, our friends, our food, our raiment, 
and all the other comforts and conveniences of life. 
Above all, we adore thy mercy in sending thine only 
Son to redeem us from sin and eternal death, and to 
give us the knowledge of our duty to thee. We 
bless thee for thy patience with us, notwithstanding 
our many and great provocations; for all the direc- 
tions, assistances, and comforts of thy Holy Spirit; 
and for all thy benefits and favours. Continue them 
to us, we beseech thee; and give us grace to shew 
our thankfulness by sincere obedience to thy laws. 

Defend us this night from all dangers and mischiefs r 
and bestow on us such refreshing sleep as may fit us 
for the duties of the following day, if it shall please 
thee to prolong our lives. Make us ever mindful of 
the time when we shall lie down in the dust ; and 
grant us grace always to live in such a manner, that 
we may never be afraid to die. Whether living or 
dying, may we be thine, through the mediation of thy 
Son Jesus Christ, in whose name we offer up these 
our imperfect prayers. Amen. 



PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 107 

7. 
PRAYER FOR WEDNESDAY MORNING. 

LORD God Almighty, we will praise thee with our 
whole hearts, and shew forth thy goodness to the 
children of men. 

Thou hast placed the sun and the moon in the hea- 
vens, to give light upon the earth, and to rule over 
the day and the night. All creatures wait upon thee, 
and thou givest them their meat in due season. 

Thou hast preserved us and provided for us in the 
helpless state of infancy, and guided us in the danger- 
ous paths of youth. Thou hast supplied our daily 
wants, and brought us to the present moment in peace 
and safety. Through the darkness of the night, thine 
eye has been upon us ; and we appear before thee this 
morning, surrounded with the gifts of thy bounty. 

Accept, O merciful Father, our unfeigned thanks- 
givings for these, and for all our spiritual blessings ; 
and help us so to improve and apply them, that we 
may be happy in thy favour, both in this world, and 
that which is to come. 

May we be in thy fear all the day long, serve thee 
with pure affection, and enjoy the good things of life 
in innocence. In our domestic relations, may we be 
all of one mind, love as brethren, and live in peace; 
that thou, the God of peace and love, mayest be with 
us. May all holy dispositions be established in our 
souls, and our lives be adorned with all good actions. 
May we rejoice habitually in thy government, and in 
the hope of thine approbation; and finally be received 
into thine everlasting kingdom, through thy grace in 
thy blessed Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 



51 



108 PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 

8. 

PRAYER FOR WEDNESDAY EVENING. 

O MOST merciful and gracious God ! we thy ser- 
vants present ourselves before thee, this evening, to 
render thanks unto thee for all thy mercies, to con- 
fess our sins, to renew our good resolutions, and to 
commend ourselves to the care of thy Providence. 

Blessed be thy name for all the powers, supports, 
and enjoyments of our nature; for all our opportuni- 
ties of securing happiness ; for our advantages as the 
disciples of thy Son, for his doctrines, precepts, ex- 
ample, sufferings, and resurrection. Great is thy 
goodness to us and to all the children of men ; and 
we confess, that we are not worthy of the mercies 
which we have received at thy hands. In many 
things, we have all offended. Thou knowest our fol- 
lies, and our sins are not hidden from thee. We ac- 
knowledge them with sorrow and penitence ; we de- 
sire to walk before thee in newness of life ; and we 
beseech thee, who despisest not a contrite heart, to 
pardon all our iniquities and to be merciful unto us. 

Teach us, O God, to discern between good and 
evil; and enable us, in the midst of the temptations 
of the world, to hold fast our integrity and to perse- 
vere in well-doing. Grant, that neither hope nor fear 
may ever lead us to desire or to do what thou for- 
biddest. Help us to be harmless and undefiled, to 
aim continually at the mark of our high calling, and 
to fight the good fight of faith, that we may obtain 
the prize. 

Our outward circumstances in life we leave entire- 
ly to the disposal of thy wisdom and goodness. We 
commit ourselves to thy care through the ensuing 
night and the remainder of our days, with a steadfast 
persuasion, that, if it be best for us, thou wilt defend 
us from evil. Whatever thou shalt appoint, help us 



PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 109 

to place our whole confidence in thee. Leave us 
not, neither forsake us, O thou God of our salvation. 
Bless our friends, and guide them by thine unerring 
Spirit. Have pity upon all to whom wearisome 
nights and restless days are appointed. And raise 
all men to that land of perfect felicity, where Jesus 
reigns for ever and ever. Amen. 



9. 

PRAYER FOR THURSDAY MORNING. 

O GOD, the Giver of all good, who detightest in the 
happiness of thy creatures ! we would raise our hearts 
to thee in the exercise of devout affections. Having 
daily united to partake of thy bounty, we would unite 
to give our thanks unto thee. 

Thou hast been continually with us, rejoicing to do 
us good ; and thy mercies are more than can be num- 
bered. Thou hast upheld our souls in life, and been 
our refuge and strength, a very present help in trou- 
ble. Thou hast continually fed and clothed us, and 
given us many things to enjoy. When we lie down 
to rest, thou art our defence ; and when we awake, 
we are still with thee. Thou art leading us by the 
mediation of thy Son to a better world, and causing 
all things to work together for our good. 

Father, we praise thee and rejoice in thy goodness ; 
and we desire at all times to approve ourselves unto 
thee. Preserve us, we beseech thee, from every se- 
cret sin. Dispose and assist us to keep our hearts, 
and to watch over our tongues. Enable us faithfully 
to obey thee in every situation, and fill our minds 
with religious veneration and gratitude. Grant, that 
we may heartily unite our endeavours to promote 
each other's happiness, bear with each other's infir- 
mities, reprove each other in the spirit of meekness, 



110 PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 

put away all pride and envy, all discontent and fret- 
fulness, all suspicion and jealousy, and travel together 
with increasing affection to the land of everlasting 
joy and love. 

Encouraged by our past experience, we humbly 
commit our persons and concerns to thy direction, and 
confide in thine unbounded mercy, as revealed and 
pledged to us in Jesus Christ, thy Son. our Lord. 
Amen. 



10. 

PRAYER FOR THURSDAY EVENING. 

ALMIGHTY God, who art the Rewarder of all them 
that diligently seek thee ! receive in mercy the prayers 
and the praises of thy children. 

We adore thee as the greatest and the best of be- 
ings, the source of all power, wisdom, goodness, and 
happiness. Without thee we can do nothing ; and on 
thee we depend from day to day. Thine energy 
sustains, thy presence animates, thy gracious influence 
blesses the universe. Our times are in thy hands ; 
our advantages and sorrows are dispensed by thy 
Providence. Thy mercy has given us a Redeemer, 
who is able to save unto the uttermost ; and thine un- 
merited love adds to our days and satisfactions, that 
we may be drawn to devote our hearts to thy service. 

We confess, O Lord, that we have disobeyed thy 
laws and been unmindful of thy goodness. We la- 
ment with sincere sorrow our errors and transgres- 
sions. We desire to forsake every evil way ; and we 
humbly trust in thy grace for the forgiveness of our 
sins. Being justified by faith, may we have peace 
with thee, be saved from the dominion of vice, and be 
filled with the fruits of thy Spirit May we be at all 
times sensible of the vanity of the world, of the deceit- 



PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. Ill 

fulness of sin, and of its certain tendency to make us 
miserable. May we entertain just convictions of the 
worth of our own souls, and of the value and import- 
ance of the glory to which we are called. May we 
set our affections upon the things above, be armed 
against the allurements and terrors of this transitory 
state, and hold ourselves in constant readiness to de- 
part hence and to stand before our Judge. 

Keep us this night, Almighty Guardian, under thy 
watchful eye. If it be agreeable to thy will, let no 
evil befall us or ours. Have mercy upon those, for 
whose welfare we feel particularly solicitous. Com- 
fort and sustain all who are in trouble and adversity. 
Order all things for us as seemeth right in thy sight ; 
and do us good now and evermore according to thy 
promises declared unto us by Jesus Christ our Lord. 
And through him be glory unto thee for ever and 
ever. Amen. 



11. 

PRAYER FOR FRIDAY MORNING. 

ETERNAL and incomprehensible Jehovah, Father 
and Friend of the children of men ! we would acknow- 
ledge thy perfections and feel our dependence on thee. 
Thou art from everlasting to everlasting, and with 
thee there is no variableness nor shadow of turning. 
Thou art the righteous Lord, whose countenance be- 
holdeth the upright. Thou acceptest not the persons 
of men, but wilt render unto the rich and the poor 
according to their works. Thou art good, and ever 
ready to forgive the penitent. 

We thank thee, Lord of heaven and earth, for all 
that thou hast done for us. Thou hast brought us 
into life, and continually watched over us. Thou 
hast again preserved us, and granted us the refresh- 

51*; 



112 PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 

ment of quiet repose. Through thy goodness we 
appear before thee at this time, in health and ease, 
with the free use of our reason, and in the enjoyment 
of many blessings. What shall we render unto thee 
for all thy benefits 1 We desire to show forth thy 
praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives ; and to 
spend this day, and the remainder of our days, in a 
uniform obedience to thy holy commands. 

Incline our hearts, we beseech thee, to thy precepts. 
Endue us with that simplicity and godly sincerity, 
which are well-pleasing unto thee. Teach us to live 
by the faith of thy Son, who hath loved us, and given 
himself for us. Preserve us from thinking of our- 
selves more highly than we ought to think, and clothe 
us with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. 
Assist us to take heed unto our ways, to direct our 
affairs with discretion, to be temperate in .all things, 
to walk within our house with perfect hearts, and to 
order our whole conversation and conduct according 
to thy will. 

Through all the changes of our lives, grant, O 
God, that we may be without covetousness, receive 
thy gifts with thankful hearts, enjoy them with sobri- 
ety and benevolence, and endure afflictions with such 
patience that they may work out for us a far more 
exceeding and eternal weight of glory. And unto 
thee, the God of all consolation and grace in Christ 
Jesus, be endless honour and praise. Amen. 



12. 

PRAYER FOR FRIDAY EVENING. 

ALMIGHTY God, the Parent of all the families of 
the earth ! we thy children unite to present unto thee 
the tribute justly due to thy name. 

We thank thee, that thou hast created us in thine 



PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 113 

own image, made us capable of knowledge and wis- 
dom, endowed us with social affections, and implant- 
ed in us a sense of good and evil. We praise thee for 
our continual support, and acknowledge that thou 
daily loadest us with benefits. Above all, we bless 
thee for thine inestimable love in sending thine only- 
begotten Son, to instruct, to guide, to save us from 
sin and misery, and to elevate us to an inheritance 
which is incorruptible in heaven. We will bless thee, 
O Lord, at all times ; thy praise shall be continually 
in our mouths. 

While we acknowledge before thee, O God, thine 
incessant bounty and eternal love ; we confess with 
shame, that we have not been as careful to improve 
and make suitable returns for them, as it was our 
duty to be. Though thou hast nourished and brought 
us up as children, we have rebelled against thee. But 
we desire to become wiser and better : and we beseech 
thee, who art slow to anger, to pardon all our trans- 
gressions. O Lord, show thy mercy upon us, and 
grant us thy salvation. 

Lead us by thy gracious hand in the path of our 
duty ; and, in the time of temptation, let thy good 
Spirit be with us, to keep us from falling. May our 
minds be purified from all sinful affections, and be 
deeply impressed and regularly influenced by every 
religious truth. May we be steadfast and immovable, 
always abounding in the work of the Lord. 

Thou art the Protector of all that put their trust 
in thee. We pray thee to show compassion to such as 
are in pain, sickness, or distress. We commend our- 
selves, our friends, and all our concerns to thy holy 
keeping. Defend us by thy power, direct us by thy 
wisdom, provide for us by thy goodness ; and, when 
our heart and our flesh shall fail, be thou, O God, the 
strength of our hearts and our portion forever. Amen. 



114 PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 

13. 

PRAYER FOR SATURDAY MORNING. 

O GOD, who givest unto all creatures life, and breath, 
and all things ! we thy servants would reverence 
thine infinite perfections, and adore thee as the foun- 
tain of all virtue and felicity. 

Thou art the same in power, wisdom, and goodness, 
throughout all generations. Thou upholdest every 
being by thy mighty word, and preservest the regu- 
lar succession of day and night, of summer and winter, 
of seed-time and harvest. By thine appointment, the 
sun ariseth, and man goeth forth to his work. The 
earth is thine and the fulness thereof. 

Blessed be thou, our merciful Father, for the pro- 
tection afforded us, for the refreshment of sleep, for 
our measure of ease and health, for every present 
comfort, and for all our hopes of future good. To thy 
tender compassion alone we ascribe them, and are 
sensible of the vast obligation which they lay upon us 
to love and serve thee with every faculty of our bo- 
dies and souls. 

Let the consciousness of the homage and fidelity 
we owe to thee accompany us wherever we go ; that 
we may live in all good conscience ; and that, whether 
we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we may do all 
to thy glory. Teach us to be prudent in ordering 
our affairs, industrious in performing the business of 
our stations, moderate in our desires, and innocent in 
our enjoyments, careful in redeeming the time, resigned 
under chastisement, courteous and candid to all around 
us, equitable and compassionate to those with whom 
we shall have to deal, grateful to our friends and 
benefactors, and generous and forgiving to any that 
may injure or offend us. Let the same mind be in 
us, which was also in Christ Jesus. Enable us heartily 






PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 115 

to rejoice in his salvation, and cause all things to 
work together for our eternal welfare, through the 
riches of thy grace. Amen. 



14. 

PRAYER FOR SATURDAY EVENING. 

GREAT and glorious God ! the heavens are thy 
throne, and the earth is thy footstool. Thou art 
nigh unto all them that call upon thee in sincerity and 
truth. Thou art conducting thy children in the path 
of peace ; and thou continually affordest them the 
supplies which they need. 

We thank thee, that we have been preserved 
through another day and another week. We thank 
thee, that thine arm has been our support, thy shield 
our defence, thy Providence and Spirit our guardian 
and guide. We thank thee for our personal and 
family blessings, (for our deliverance from dangers 
and calamities,) and for every agreeable and happy 
circumstance of our condition. We thank thee, above 
all, that we are brought to the knowledge of thee 
and of Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent ; that we 
have the promises of thy mercy; and that, though 
this frail existence is fleeting away, we have the as- 
sured hope of immortal felicity. — Thy compassions 
fail not, great God, though our days on earth are 
diminishing. Be thou exalted above the heavens ! 
and be thy sacred name praised for ever and ever ! 

Merciful Father ! blot out, we pray thee, the sins 
that have been committed by us in the week which 
is now drawing to a close, and in the whole course of 
our departed days We lament, that we have often 
been led astray, and have been chargeable with many 
negligences and omissions. We confess them unto 
thee with an humble and contrite spirit ; and beseech 



116 PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 

thee to cleanse our consciences from evil works, to 
lift on us the light of thy countenance, and to give us 
the blessedness of those whose transgressions are 
covered. 

Dispose us to realize fully, that we are the monu- 
ments of thy sparing mercy ; in order that our hearts 
may be consecrated to thee. Illuminate our minds 
with thy heavenly truth. Preserve us from all false 
judgments concerning the ends of living and the way 
to happiness. Secure us from the influence of vain 
customs and evil examples. Increase our faith ; en- 
liven our hope; enlarge our charity; inspire us with 
every pious, virtuous, and amiable disposition ; and help 
us to become Christians, not in name only, but in deed. 

Another step has been taken towards eternity; 
week after week, and month after month, are passing 
away ; and we know, that our times are in thy hand, 
and that there may be to us but a few more days in 
this world. Gracious God, suffer us not to forget the 
shortness and precariousness of life, or the solemnities 
of judgment and eternity. Prepare us to meet our 
last end with a serene and peaceful mind. Incline us 
so to pass through things temporal, that we may not 
forget the things which are eternal. Help us to love 
each other as beings, who have each other's immortal 
happiness at heart ; and, after we shall have been sepa- 
rated from one another by death, be pleased to unite 
us in holy fellowship before the throne of God and 
the Lamb. 

We commend our bodies and our souls to thy care ; 
and beseech thee to do good unto all men. We offer 
up these our prayers in the name of Jesus, through 
whom we trust that we shall be pardoned and accept- 
ed now and evermore. Amen. 



PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 117 

15. 

GRACE BEFORE AND AFTER MEAT. 

Almighty Father ! the blessings, which we are 
about to receive, are thy gift. May they be enjoyed 
with a sense of thy love to us and all mankind. 
Amen. 



We acknowledge, heavenly Father, that thou art 
the source of all our enjoyments. Help us to receive 
thy bounty with grateful, contented, and obedient 
hearts. Amen. 



The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord ; and thou 
givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest 
thy hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living 
thing. Amen. 



Blessed be thy name, O thou author of all good, 
for this present refreshment and for all other mercies. 
May they strengthen us to the performance of every 
duty as disciples of thy Son. Amen. 



Again we experience, God, that thou art good. 
May thy goodness be continued to us, and be extend- 
ed to all mankind. Amen. 



Thou hast afforded us another proof of thy bene- 
volent, care, O thou Parent of men ! may it fill us 
with gratitude to thee, and dispose us to be kind to 
others, even as thou art kind unto us. Amen. 



118 PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 

Thott, Lord, art our Shepherd ; we shall not want. 
May we never be wanting in our duty to thee ; and 
may thy mercy follow us all the days of our lives. 
Amen. 






God of compassion ! thou fillest our hearts with 
food and gladness. Make us duly thankful, we be- 
seech thee ; and be pleased to feed the hungry, and 
to provide for all the needy, now and evermore. 
Amen. 



Divine Benefactor ! thou hast blessed our labours 
for the meat which perisheth. Help us to labour 
successfully for that meat which endureth unto ever- 
lasting life. Amen. 



16. 

PRAYER FOR A FAMILY AT THE CLOSE 
OF THE YEAR. 

ETERNAL Jehovah ! in thee we live and move and 
have our being. In thy hand is our breath ; it is be- 
cause thou hast sustained us, that we have continued 
to this day. With praise to thee, the God of our lives, 
we come into thy presence ; with thanks to thee, the 
unfailing source of mercy ! Thou didst bring us into 
this world, and place us on this stage of action. Thou 
didst uphold us in the helpless days of infancy, and 
preserve us from the innumerable evils to which we 
were then exposed. We tasted of thy bounty, before 
we were capable of perceiving the hand from which 
it came. With every returning year thy favours 
have been multiplied upon us. Thou hast been with 



PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 119 

us and hast helped us in all our troubles. Often hast 
thou healed our diseases, removed our sorrows, and 
renewed our strength. Thy candle has shined upon 
our tabernacle ; thy corn has nourished us ; thy 
smiles have gladdened our hearts. Whilst many 
have been cut off and have passed into an awful eter- 
nity, we are yet numbered with the living. Whilst 
thousands have fallen at our right hand and our left, 
we continue, to stand, witnesses that thou art good to 
the evil and unthankful. Through the riches of thy 
forbearance and long-suffering, thou art continuing us 
in a state of trial, giving unto us space for repentance, 
and favouring us with thy holy gospel and with all 
necessary means of grace and reformation. 

God of compassion, take not thy Spirit from us. 
Continue to us thy heavenly blessings. Prepare us 
for future changes in our condition, and let them be 
sanctified to our truest interest and happiness. We 
commit ourselves to thy care ; we devote ourselves 
to thy service ; we refer all events concerning us to 
thine infinite wisdom and fatherly goodness. Lead 
us seasonably to consider the things which belong to 
our peace. Give us realizing views of death and a 
judgment to come. Enable us to depart from the 
world, when thou shalt call us away, with tranquillity 
and comfort of mind, exempt from the terrors of 
guilt : and bring us to the enjoyment of thy favour 
in the realms of glory, through the mediation of Jesus 
Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 



17. 

PRAYER FOR A FAMILY AT THE BEGIN- 
NING OF THE YEAR. 
ALMIGHTY God, God of the spirits of all flesh, 
Preserver and Ruler of the children of men ! hear in 

■ 52 



120 PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 

mercy thy servants, who raise their hearts unto thee. 
We acknowledge, that, in seasons past, we have often 
been too earnest about the things of sense and time, 
too regardless of the objects of faith and futurity. 
We confess, that we have too often walked in a 
vain show, and disquieted ourselves in vain. We 
cannot attempt to deny, that we have been frequently 
undutiful and unthankful. Wouldst thou judge us 
without mercy, we should be utterly destitute of hope. 
Wouldst thou deal with us according to our sins, 
we should be miserable indeed. But we rejoice, that 
thou desirest not the ruin of thy creatures, but rather 
that they should repent and live. It is our desire to 
cast off all the unfruitful works of darkness, and to 
walk as children of the light and of the day. It is 
our purpose, that this year shall witness our greater 
reformation from every thing that is amiss in us, and 
our increasing improvement in the graces of the 
Christian character. 

If it be consistent with the purposes of thine in- 
scrutable wisdom, we pray that our lives may be 
spared ; not merely that we may enjoy an animal ex- 
istence, but that we may be furnished with an oppor- 
tunity of doing good and becoming better. We com- 
mit all our concerns to thee ; and would submit to 
those circumstances, which thou, who alone knowest 
what is best for us, shalt ordain. If thou wilt, we de- 
sire the continuance of health and comfort. If thou 
shouldst send sickness or adversity to us, may we be 
prepared for these and all other changes of our 
situation. If it be thy decree, that this year any of us 
shall die ; may we be ready for our departure. We 
dare not say, that we will do this or that : but we 
would cherish one resolution, to become and always 
to be such persons as thou shalt be pleased to ap- 
prove. 

Heavenly Father ! do thou preserve us from every 



PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 121 

injurious delay. Let not the night of darkness, in 
which no man can work, overtake us unawares. 
Forbid, that we should ever presume on life, or boast 
of to-morrow, or be immoderately attached to earthly 
things. May we always do with diligence what thou 
appointest us to perform. If death shall approach us 
by slow advances, may it find us well employed ; and 
if we are suddenly called to exchange worlds, may 
it not be our lot to have treasured up fear and re- 
morse. — Hear us, we beseech thee, in these our sup- 
plications, which we offer up in the name of our great 
Mediator. And unto thee, the King eternal, immor- 
tal, and invisible, be honour and glory, for ever and 
ever, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



18. 

PRAYER FOR A FAMILY IN BEHALF OF 

A SICK PERSON. 
O GOD, who hast taught us, at all times and in 
every condition, to make our requests known unto 
thee ! We would adore thee as the author and arbiter 
of life, and the disposer of sickness and of death. We 
offer up our humble supplicatious in behalf of thy ser- 
vant, who is labouring under pain and disease. Look 
down upon him (her) with mercy; let the considera- 
tion of thy goodness and wisdom strengthen and com- 
fort his soul j and let the precious doctrines and ex- 
ample of thy Son enable him to suffer with patience. 
We pray, with submission to thy Providence, that thou 
wouldst be pleased to remove his disorder, and restore 
him to health. Graciously prolong his days upon 
earth ; and grant, that his affliction may produce in 
him the fruits of righteousness, to the honour of thy 
name. By the sadness of his countenance, may his 
heart be made better ; and may he long live, to mani- 



122 PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 

fest his thankfulness to thee, and to do good in his 
generation. 

But, if this affliction should be unto death, may thy 
servant be prepared to give himself up into thy hands, 
with Christian fortitude, in joyful expectation of thy 
mercy unto eternal life. Give him unfeigned repent- 
ance for all his sins, and a firm reliance on thy gra- 
cious promises in Christ Jesus our Lord. May the 
hope of thy favour support him in his last hour ; may 
he leave the world in peace of mind, and in charity 
with all men ; and may he be received into thy hea- 
venly kingdom, and be made a partaker of that hap- 
piness, which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, and 
which it hath not entered into the heart of man to 
conceive. 

O God teach us to be wise; console our hearts; 
and command thy blessing upon thy servant, even 
life evermore, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Sa- 
viour. Amen. 



19 ' 

PRAYER FOR A FAMILY IN BEHALF OF 

A SICK CHILD. 
ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, thou art the 
fountain of all good, the refuge of the distressed, the 
friend and comforter of those who look up to thy 
throne for help. We would offer up our prayers unto 
thee in behalf of the child, on whom thou hast seen 
fit to lay thine afflicting hand. We beseech thee, if 
it be consistent with thy wise and holy will, to bless 
the means employed for his recovery, and to raise 
him up to health and strength. Suffer not the wishes 
of his parents to be disappointed ; but in thy great 
mercy spare him, to be the comfort and support of 
their advancing years, and to glorify thy name by 



PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 123 

obeying thee and becoming useful in the world. But, 
whatever thou hast determined concerning him, thy 
will, O God, be done ! Preserve us from fainting under 
thy chastisements ; and, if thou takest him away from 
the world, vouchsafe to receive his soul into that bless- 
ed land, where sorrow and death are unknown. Into 
thy hands we commit him, ourselves, and all whom 
we love ; and we humbly pray, that, by all the dis- 
pensations of thy Providence, we may be trained up 
for that state, where thou wilt wipe away all tears 
from the eyes of mourners, and where pious friends 
and relations shall rejoice with each other for ever 
and ever, through thine unspeakable love in Christ Je- 
sus our Lord. Amen. 



20, 

THANKSGIVING OF A FAMILY, FOR THE 
RECOVERY OF A MEMBER OF THE 
SAME FROM DANGEROUS SICKNESS. 

MOST merciful and gracious God, the Creator and 
Preserver of the universe ! we would raise our hearts 
with gratefnl sentiments unto thee, from whom alone 
cometh our help. We acknowledge, that thou rulest 
over all ; that of thee, and through thee, and to thee 
are all things. Thou speakest, and it is done ; thou 
commandest, and it stands fast. The skill of the 
physician, and the power of medicine are derived from 
thee. It is thou, who healest all our diseases, who 
redeemest our lives from destruction, and renewest 
our strength ; and to thy name alone be all the glory 
and honour. We render unto thee our united and 
hearty thanks for thy great goodness, manifested to 
thy servant, whom thou hast been pleased to raise 
from the bed of sickness, and to restore to a capacity 
of performing the duties and enjoying the comforts of 
life. To thy kind Providence we ascribe it, that this 

52* 



124 PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 

affliction hath not been unto death, and that the voice 
of health and rejoicing is again heard in our habita- 
tion. We praise thee, O Lord, for thou hast dealt 
bountifully with us. May thy servant, whom thou 
hast rescued from the devouring grave, manifest his 
(her) sense of thy loving kindness, by devoting the 
remainder of his days to thee, as a true disciple of his 
Master and Redeemer, in a constant obedience to thy 
holy commandments. May the remembrance of what 
thou hast done for his soul confirm and establish his 
good resolutions, and inspire him with a lively confi- 
dence in thy protection and care. May this instance 
of thy mercy to our family engage us all to love thee 
with our whole hearts, and to rejoice in thy Provi- 
dence. While we have health and life, may we ne- 
ver abuse or trifle with them, but be careful to im- 
prove them well, and promote each other's happiness 
to the utmost of our ability. 

It is better to trust in thee, O Lord, than to put con- 
fidence in man. Thou art our refuge and our God, 
and we will praise thee. We will give thanks unto 
thee ; for thou art good, and thy mercy endureth for 
ever. Amen. 



21. 

A PRAYER ON THE DEATH OF ANY 
PERSON IN A FAMILY. 

ETERNAL God, without whose direction and Pro- 
vidence nothing can happen to us in life or death ! 
out of the depths of affliction and sorrow we lift up 
our souls unto thee; for in thee alone are our help 
and hope. 

Our existence is in thy hands, and all our enjoy- 
ments are at thy disposal. Thou didst at first call 
us into being by thy mighty power ;- and, when thou 
takest away our breath, we die and return to the dust. 



PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 125 

In the midst of life, we are in death. To whom 
may we seek for succour, but unto thee, O Lord, who 
changest not, and who hast been the refuge of thy 
children in all generations ? The Lord liveth ; let 
our hearts rejoice; and let the God of our salvation 
be for ever exalted. Under all the troubles of this 
life, thy mercy is our confidence and support. Even 
as a father pitieth his children, so thou hast compas- 
sion upon the sons of men. Infinite wisdom and love 
direct all thy dispensations. Behold thy servants, O 
Lord ; do with us whatsoever seemeth good in thy 
sight. The Lord gave; and the Lord hath taken 
away : blessed be the name of the Lord. Blessed 
be thy name, especially, that, according to thine abun- 
dant mercy, thou hast begotten us again, by the re- 
surrection of Jesus Christ thy Son, to the lively hope 
of an inheritance, that is undefiied and fadeth not 
away. 

Teach us, O most gracious God, by the instances 
of mortality which are before our eyes, and particu- 
larly by the present mournful event, to see how short 
and uncertain our abode on earth is, and so to num- 
ber our days that we may apply our hearts unto wis- 
dom and seek the things which are above. May we 
spend the remainder of our time in this world in the 
faithful discharge of every Christian duty ; and study 
to live in such a manner, as we shall wish to have 
done, when we come to die. Give us grace to follow 
the good examples of those, who have departed hence 
in thy faith and fear ; that we may with them be par- 
takers of thy heavenly kingdom. Grant, that we 
may labour with increasing zeal to become the true 
disciples of our blessed Saviour ; and, after believing 
in him and obeying him. here below, be united with 
him at thy right hand, and, with all whom we love, 
and with the virtuous and pious of all nations and 
tongues, praise thee through endless ages. Amen. 



126 PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES. 

22. 

A PRAYER FOR PARENTS, ON THE 

DEATH OF A YOUNG CHILD. 

O THOU, who hast appointed unto all men once to die, 
and who alone knowest what is really good for us ! we 
fly to thee, beseeching thee to sanctify unto us the be- 
reavement, which fills our hearts with grief. Thou 
hast united us to the objects of our innocent affection by 
the tenderest ties ; and we bless thee, that thou wast 
pleased to give us our departed child, and to bestow 
on us the satisfactions and joys which parents feel. 
Thou hast with the arrow of death taken away from 
us this beloved being ; and we would bow with resig- 
nation to thy sovereign appointment. We commit 
its body to the grave, and its soul to thine infinite 
mercy. And we rejoice and thank thee, that our 
Lord Jesus Christ has declared : " Suffer the little 
children to come unto me, and forbid it not, for of 
such is the kingdom of God." 

Compassionate Father ! console our sorrows, we 
pray thee ; and prevent us from despising thy chas- 
tenings, or fainting when rebuked of thee. Teach 
us more perfectly to do and suffer thy will, and to 
draw instruction from the adversities which we expe- 
rience. Affect us with just convictions of the vanity 
of human life, and the uncertainty of earthly comforts. 
Dispose us to work out our own salvation with fear 
and. trembling, and to give the most serious attention 
to the religious instruction and improvement of those 
whom thou hast preserved to us. Instead of attempt- 
ing fally to explain the unsearchable mysteries of thy 
government, may our hearts rest assured, that all 
things shall work together for good to them that love 
thee : and may we steadily look forward to the resur- 
rection of the just and the re-union of those who die 
in the Lord, through our exalted Saviour and Re- 
deemer. Amen. 



PART II. 



PRAYERS 

FOR THE USE OF INDIVIDUALS. 



I 

PRAYERS FOR THE MORNING. 

O LORD, my heavenly Father, who hast safely 
brought me to the beginning of this day : defend me 
through the same by thy mighty power, and grant 
that I may neither fal] into sin, nor run into any kind 
of danger. May all my words and doings be order- 
ed agreeably to thy holy will ; and my heart be pure 
arid acceptable in thy sight ! May it please thee to 
give such success, as thou seest to be best for me, to 
my labours and pursuits ; to bless my friends ; to do 
good unto all men ; and to raise them and me to thy 
heavenly kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. ■ 



ALMIGHTY God, the gracious Preserver of the 
children of men ! accept the thanks of thy servant for 
the continual protection of thy Providence. When I 
retire to rest, thou coverest me with the shades of the 
evening ; and, when I arise, thou visitest me with the 
day-spring from on high. Thy blessing is ever upon 
me, and day and night thy loving-kindness follows me. 
Enable me to be duly and habitually sensible of what 
I owe to thee, and to rely upon thy care. I devote 
myself to thy service, and rejoice that my times are 



128 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

in thy hand. Help me, while I live, to live to thee ; 
that, when I die, I may die to thee, and feel happy in 
the assurance of thy mercy and the hope or everlast- 
ing life, through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour. 
Amen. 



O GOD, by whose gracious Providence I have been 
preserved through the past night, and am risen this 
morning with the free use of my rational faculties, 
and in the enjoyment of the blessings of life : I look 
up to thee as my highest benefactor and friend, and 
thank thee for the goodness which I have experienced, 
when unconscious of my being, and incapable of 
guarding against danger and death. I humbly com- 
mit myself to thy protection this day, beseeching thee 
to defend me from evil, and to give me those bless- 
ings which I need. Above all, be pleased, merciful 
Father, to pardon my errors ; and assist me to shun 
temptation, to watch over my passions, to govern my 
tongue, to keep myself innocent and undefiled, and 
cheerfully to do that which is pleasing unto thee. 
Hear my prayer, and accept of me according to the 
covenant of thy love through Jesus Christ. Amen. 



GOD of my life, another night has passed away; and 
I arise from death-like insensibility to new existence. 
Whether I sleep or am awake, I am encircled by thy 
mighty arms, and share thy love. Thou hast pre- 
served my breath ; thou inspirest me with new vigour ; 
and thou callest me to new enjoyments. To thee my 
spirit ascends on the wings of devotion and gratitude, 
and consecrates all its powers and faculties. What 
may I not hope for from thee, who continually watch- 
est over me, and who hast not even spared thy well- 
beloved Son, but hast given him up freely for the 
children of men ? 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 129 

Animated by this confidence, I desire to go on my 
way rejoicing, to accomplish with cheerfulness what- 
ever thou callest me to do, and to bear with patience 
whatever thou appointest me to suffer. This day, 
too, Father, thou wilt in mercy direct and help thy 
feeble child, proportion my strength to my duties and 
trials, and lead me in that path which thou knowest 
to be good for me. Let this persuasion support my 
soul, and enable me to entertain an habitual regard 
to thee. I am thine, by the strongest ties; and thine 
may I remain in life and in death, through Jesus 
Christ, thy Son, my Saviour. Amen. 



2. 

PRAYERS FOR THE EVENING. 

ALMIGHTY God, thou hast bestowed upon me in- 
numerable benefits, and hast added to all thy former 
mercies the safety and happiness which I have this 
day enjoyed. Forgive, I beseech thee, whatever may 
have been wrong in my feelings, conversation, or de- 
portment ; and fill me with an ardent solicitude to 
serve thee faithfully in the time that may yet remain. 
I commit myself and all my friends to thy gracious 
protection this night, reposing the confidence of my 
soul on thy Providence. After having renewed my 
strength by a peaceful repose, may I return to the 
duties of life with a steadfast resolution to do all thy 
will with diligence ; that, when my days on earth shall 
be numbered, I may be received into thine eternal 
rest and joy, through thy blessed Son Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 



ALMIGHTY God, my heavenly Father, from whom 
cometh every good and perfect gift : I raise my soul 



130 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

to thee, entreating thee to keep me continually under 
thy care. If it seem good in thy sight, grant me the 
blessing of quiet sleep ; that I may arise in the morn- 
ing in health, to labour in thy service and live in thy 
fear. Let it please thee to lift up the light of thy 
countenance upon me, and to give me peace both now 
and evermore. Amen. 



GOD, my great Creator, Preserver, and Benefactor ! 

1 approach thee with the grateful acknowledgments 
of my heart for the mercies, by which I have been 
cheered and blessed this day. Whatever share of 
happiness I possess, whatever measure of prosperity 
I enjoy ; to thee belongs the praise, and to thine un- 
merited favour alone I ascribe it. With whatever 
neglect, imperfection, and transgression of duty, I am 
chargeable ; I take the shame of them to myself and 
sincerely repent of them. Forgive me, I beseech 
thee, Parent of mercies, upon the gracious terms of 
thy gospel ; and implant a right spirit within me. 
Vouchsafe to take me, and all in whom I am concern- 
ed, into thy care and protection through this night; 
and lead us, and the whole human family, in the paths 
of thy good Providence, to everlasting life and hap- 
piness, through thine infinite love in Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 



GOD of compassion ! with what velocity all my days 
speed their flight and vanish away ! how few are the 
traces which they leave behind ! what is my exist- 
ence on earth, but a dream, from which I shall awake, 
with joy or terror, to a new and never-ending life ! 

I will lay me down, and sleep in peace ; for thou, 
O Lord, makest me to dwell in safety. Thou con- 
tinually uphcldcst, and showerest down blessings up- 
on me, and comfortest my soul in sorrow. All the 
successive periods of my pilgrimage are distinguished 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 131 

by the proofs of thy benevolence and mercy. O that 
they may also be distinguished by numerous proofs 
of my gratitude and obedience to thee ! O that I 
may sleep in Jesus, when my last hour shall arrive, 
with the same composure with which I lie down upon 
my bed; with a mind, free from the stings and re- 
proaches of guilt, conscious of inward sincerity and 
rectitude, firmly relying upon the promises sealed 
with my Saviour's blood, trusting through him in thy 
forbearance and paternal love, and rejoicing in the 
prospect of that blissful immortality which he brought 
to light ! 

My heavenly Father, establish thou this wish in 
my soul ; make it the chief principle and motive of all 
I think, and say, and do ; help me to revive and 
strengthen it every morning and evening. Make me 
perfect in every good work ; and to thy name be all 
the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 



3. 

A PRAYER FOR A YOUNG PERSON. 

ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, who hast called 
me into being, that I might enjoy thy bounty here, 
and be prepared for everlasting happiness hereafter ! 
I look up to thee, the source of every blessing, be- 
seeching thee to guide, to support, and strengthen 
me. Surrounded with dangers, to whom should I 
apply for succour but to thee, who hast promised, 
that those who seek thee early and diligently shall 
find thee % O help me habitually to remember thee, 
my Creator, Benefactor, Redeemer, and Judge. Im- 
press on my mind that reverence of thee, which is 
the beginning of wisdom. Dispose me to value, as 
I ought, the religion of thy blessed Son, and to make 
his doctrine and example my only directory and rule. 

53 



132 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

Preserve me from all corrupt communications, from 
those youthful lusts which war against the soul, from 
all unchastity in thought, word, and action. Preserve 
my tongue from uttering falsehood, deceit, or impiety, 
and my hands from committing injustice. Give me 
a cautious, sober, and devout mind, that I may trem- 
ble at the hazard of ever standing in the way of sin- 
ners, or walking after the counsel of the ungodly, or 
following evil companions. Enable me to respect the 
lessons of age and experience ; clothe me with the 
ornament of an humble, meek, £.nd contented spirit; 
and grant, that I may carefully avoid every thing, 
which I would blush to reveal to my fellow-men, and 
which would fill rne with confusion and fear when I 
think of thee. Forbid, great God, that I should mis- 
apply or trifle with any portion of that precious time, 
for the use of which I am accountable at thy bar. — 
Give me grace to find my highest delight in studying 
and obeying thy word, in approving myself to thee, 
in discharging my duty to those with whom I am 
connected, in labouring to become useful in my day 
and generation, and in forming those habits which 
will qualify me for the felicity of heaven. 

I pray for these and for all other blessings in the 
name of thy Son Jesus Christ, through whom I hum- 
bly hope to be pardoned and accepted now and ever- 
more. Amen. 



4. 

A PRAYER FOR AN AGED PERSON. 

O THOU great Author and Supporter of life, who 
hast been the refuge of thy children in every age ! 
to thee I raise my heart with thanksgiving and sup- 
plication. Thou hast maintained my frail existence 
through many years, and crowned its successive pe- 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 133 

riods with thy mercies. Where should I begin, or 
where should I cease, would I enumerate the favours 
which thy hand has bestowed on me? With what 
incessant kindness hast thou supplied the wants both 
of my body and of my soul, opened to me many 
sources of satisfaction, shielded me from dangers and 
calamities, consoled and sustained me under trials and 
distresses, and conducted my feet into the path of 
peace ! What gratitude do I owe to thee, especially, 
for the light and assistance of thy holy gospel, for its 
precious promises and animating hopes, and for the. 
many opportunities and means of improvement which 
I have enjoyed ! Hitherto thou hast led and helped 
me ; and my only trust is in thy sure and never-fail- 
ing mercy. 

Heavenly Father ! I confess to thee my many 
errors and transgressions, with sorrow and repent- 
ance. Of thine infinite goodness forgive whatever I 
have thought, or said, or done amiss in the whole 
course of my pilgrimage. Let my hoary head be 
found in the way of righteousness. Whatever I may 
have neglected, whatever remains to be done, assist 
me to perform immediately and to the best of my 
ability. If I have injured any, enable me to discover 
it, that I may make due reparation before I go hence. 
Sanctify my mind, correct my passions, preserve me 
from every sin to which I am exposed. Save me 
from a selfish, censorious, severe, impatient, and dis- 
satisfied temper. Teach me to be thankful to those 
who contribute to my ease and*comfort, to rejoice in 
the happiness of all around me, and with a friendly 
spirit to instruct and admonish the rising ge aeration. 
Help me, especially, to render the religion of thy Son, 
my Lord, amiable and venerable in the estimation of 
the young and of all around me, by setting them an 
example of cheerful piety, and by entertaining a holy 
confidence in thy Providence and grace. 



134 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

God of compassion ! my strength is now often la- 
bour and sorrow, and I shall soon go down to the 
grave. Forsake me not, I beseech thee ; cast me not 
off in the time of mine old age. Let my affections be 
fixed upon the things which are above ; let the pros- 
pect of heaven support me in every hour of suffering ; 
and, when my heart and my flesh fail, be thou the 
strength of my heart and my portion for ever. Amen. 



5. 

A PRAYER FOR A CHILD. 

O LORD ! thou art my Father and my God : early 
will I seek, praise, and love thee. I bless thee for all 
thy goodness to me, and in particular for those ten- 
der ties which bind me to my parents. I thank thee 
for all their care and kindness ; and rejoice to behold, 
in their unabating solicitude for my welfare, the image 
of thy love. Enable me, I beseech thee, to render 
unto them due honour and obedience, affection and 
gratitude. Assist me to submit with pleasure to their 
friendly guidance, to be patient under reproof to ab- 
hor falsehood, to discharge all my obligations with a 
dutiful heart, and never to cause them tears and 
grief by any perverseness. Be pleased, O God, to 
prolong their health and life, to uphold them by thy 
gracious Providence, to make them happy in me and 
in all who belong to their family. Let thy goodness 
follow them continually here, and reward them with 
eternal happiness beyond the grave. 

Blessed guide of my youth ! to thee I am indebted 
for all the favours which I enjoy. Assist me to be- 
come thy child, to follow after thy friendship as the 
greatest of all blessings, and to dread displeasing thee 
as the greatest of all calamities. Help me, as I grow 
in stature, to grow in wisdom and goodness, in favour 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS 135 

with thee and with my fellow-men, like thy beloved 
Son Jesus Christ. I desire to understand and to re- 
joice in his gospel, to be his disciple, and to walk as 
he walked ; and I pray, that, after this short life on 
earth, I may be exalted with him for ever and ever. 
Amen. 



6. 

A PRAYER FOR A HUSBAND OR WIFE. 

MOST merciful and gracious God ! I look up unto 
thee who rulest over heaven and earth, and desire 
to adore thee as my Guardian and Guide. It is thou 
who settest the solitary in families; domestic life is 
thine institution ; and thou hast pronounced marriage 
to be honourable in all. Called to this state by thy 
Providence, I beseech thee to make me sensible of its 
duties, and to dispose me to fulfil them with a perfect 
heart and a willing mind. Let me ever act upon the 
conviction, that the covenant, into which I have en- 
tered with the chosen companion of my life, has been 
made in thy sacred presence, and that my vows of 
fidelity and affection have been witnessed by thee the 
righteous Judge. Enable me to live as a Christian 
in this relation, and to put away from me whatever 
would interrupt the pleasure and improvement which 
it is adapted to yield. Give me grace to correct 
what is wrong in my dispositions, to govern my pas- 
sions, to be a severe censor of myself but never 
to exact or expect too much from the friend and part- 
ner of my days. Assist me to become a blessing to 
him (her), a sharer of his joys, a consoler of his sor- 
rows, and a helper to him in all the changes of the 
world. Grant that we may live together in love and 
peace, exercising forbearance with each other's infir- 
mities, serving and rejoicing in thee, and carrying our 

53 # 



136 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

regard for each other beyond this fleeting and pe- 
rishable world. Grant, that in our dwelling, as in 
the tabernacle of the righteous, the voice of salvation 
may be heard : that we may keep a strict watch over 
ourselves and all who depend upon us; that we may 
suffer no vice to go unreproved, or to remain in our 
house persisted in and unamended : and that all of us 
may cultivate a cheerful and obliging temper, and 
discharge our respective duties in quietness and con- 
tentment. By living together in virtue and holiness 
here, may we be fitted for perfect felicity in heaven; 
and be united together, at last, in indissoluble friend- 
ship, through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Saviour and 
Lord. Amen. 



PRAYER FOR A PARENT. 
ALMIGHTY God, Creator of men! from thee 
cometh every good and perfect gift. Thou hast 
given me children, and inspired my heart with ardent 
affection for them. Thou hast committed them to my 
care, and commanded me to educate them as Chris- 
tians, as intelligent and immortal beings. O make me 
fully sensible, I entreat thee, of the solemnity and im- 
portance of this charge ; and give me thy gracious 
assistance, that I may train up my offspring in the 
way in which they ought to go. Enable me to enter- 
tain abiding convictions of the value of good instruc- 
tion, and the necessity of early religious impressions. 
Enlighten and direct me in the choice of proper 
means for cultivating pious and virtuous principles in 
their tender minds. Make me constant and faithful in 
sowing in their hearts the incorruptible seed of divine 
truth, that they may love religion early, and partake 
of thy divine nature. Increase my solicitude to set 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 137 

before them the pattern of a holy and good life ; and 
never suffer me to forget, that what I say and do 
cannot fail to influence the formation of their temper 
and character. Preserve me from the extremes of 
impatience and undue severity, and of excessive in- 
dulgence and misguided fondness. Direct me to the 
most rational and salutary expressions of my love to 
them ; and help me to adapt my conduct to their 
several dispositions. And while I study to bring them 
forward on the stage of action with those advantages 
which are suitable to their condition, let me always 
remember, that the care of the soul is the one thing 
needful, and let it be my highest concern to prepare 
them for eternity and heaven. 

Gracious God ! save me, I pray thee, from the 
most grievous calamity, which a parent can feel, that 
of beholding children vicious and miserable. Protect 
and bless those, for whom my heart beats with the 
tenderest anxiety ; and let them never be led astray 
by wicked customs and examples. Whatever thou 
mayest deny me, O grant that I may see them walk- 
ing in the truth, adorned with innocence, virtue, and 
piety. Vouchsafe to forgive any errors in my con- 
duct towards them, and to supply all my deficiencies. 
When I shall be removed hence, let me die with the 
consciousness that I have not wilfully neglected my 
duty to them. And in the great day of the resurrec- 
tion and judgment, grant that we may be ^ound toge- 
ther before thy throne, and that I may be enabled to 
say : Here am I, O God, and the children which thou 
hast given me. — I ask for these mercies in the name 
of Jesus Christ my Lord and Master. Amen. 



138 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

8 

A PRAYER FOR A PERSON IN PROS- 
PERITY. 

BOUNTIFUL Benefactor ! all that man possesses 
or enjoys proceeds from thy munificence. To thy 
sovereign goodness I am indebted for all the advan- 
tages of my condition. Thou hast furnished me with 
many temporal blessings, and with the means of in- 
creasing my own happiness and the happiness of 
others. Preserve thy servant, I beseech thee, from 
being high-minded and trusting in uncertain riches. 
Preserve me from the inordinate love of the good 
things which thou hast bestowed upon me, from every 
unlawful or intemperate pleasure, from all contempt 
of my fellow-men. Preserve me from the blindness 
and infatuation of such as take this world for their 
portion ; and let me not be numbered among those 
fools, whose table is a snare to them and whose pros- 
perity destroys them. Fill my heart with love and 
gratitude to thee, my Father, whose Providence has 
raised me to my present state ; and give me a deep 
and lively sense of the account which I must render 
at thy bar. Teach me to honour thee with my sub- 
stance ; to employ it in a rational and useful manner ; 
and as a good steward, to minister thy gifts to others. 
Direct me in the most effectual way to relieve the 
poor, the sick, and the wretched ; to vindicate the 
cause of innocence ; and to advance the interests of 
truth, virtue, religion, and public order. In my 
communications to the necessities of my fellow-men, 
preserve me from the weakness and guilt of pride and 
ostentation ; and let me always remember, that thou 
lovest a cheerful giver. If it shall please thee, O 
Lord, either to increase or take away any of thy 
gifts, let it be my chief joy to serve thee, and my con- 
stant prayer, that thou wilt lift up the light of thy 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 139 

countenance upon me. If in thy Providence I am to 
be deprived of any temporal advantages, prepare me 
to meet the change with resignation. May I receive 
every allotment, whether prosperous or adverse, with 
Christian composure and fortitude ; and, when thou 
shalt call me from this state of change and trial, may 
I be permitted to participate in that inheritance which 
is promised to thy saints. 

My soul relies entirely upon thy mercy in Jesus 
Christ, who became poor that we might be made rich. 
Through him be glory unto thee for ever and ever. 
Amen. 



9- 

A PRAYER FOR A PERSON SUFFERING 

POVERTY OR GREAT LOSSES. 
GREAT and adorable God ! thou rulest over the 
armies of heaven, and thou distributest thy blessings 
among men, as it seemeth good in thy sight. Thou 
makest poor, and makest rich ; thou bringest low, and 
liftest up. Thou hast seen fit in thine infinite wis- 
dom, to visit me with adversity and to exercise me in 
an humble state. But thy good Providence has pre- 
served me hitherto, has saved me from overwhelming 
want, has given me many of the blessings of this life, 
and has set before me the sweet hope of a better 
world. I would be grateful for what I enjoy; and I 
desire to acquiesce in thy dispensations, and not to in- 
dulge discontent on account of those things which 
thou withholdest or takest away. 

Direct me, I beseech thee, in the use of honest 
means to repair my losses and to obtain a more com- 
fortable subsistence : but, whether I obtain it or not, 
thy will be done. Thou alone knowest, if greater 
plenty would prove a blessing, or a snare to me and 



140 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

mine. Make me perfect in my submission, O Lord ; 
cleanse my heart from sinful affections ; and grant 
that I may be rich in faith and an heir of thy pro- 
mises. Reward, I pray thee, those benefactors, who 
have been instruments in thy hand for doing me good. 
In every trouble let me experience, that thou art nigh 
unto them that put their trust in thee. Whilst I conti- 
nue in straitened circumstances, preserve me from un- 
lawful methods of supplying my necessities, from tak- 
ing thy name in vain, and from asking with anxious 
distrustful thoughts, what shall I eat, or what shall I 
drink, or wherewith shall I be clothed % May I never 
feel envy at the sight of the great ; and rather choose 
to endure every bodily hardship, than to suffer the 
evil of spiritual poverty. May the example of Jesus, 
who was despised of men, who suffered hunger and 
thirst, and who had not where to lay his head, recon- 
cile me to my condition. May it be enough for me, 
that I can please thee and hold fast my integrity. 
Whatever be my lot here, may I be enabled to lay 
up treasures in heaven, and finally be received into 
it, through the mediation of that Saviour, who was 
made perfect through sufferings, and is now set down 
at thy right hand. Amen. 



10. 

A PRAYER FOR A WIDOW. 
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, I fly to thee for 
that consolation which I need, and humble myself un- 
der thy mighty hand. Thou givest, and thou takest 
away ; and without thy permission not a hair of our 
heads can fall to the ground. Thou hast been pleased 
to remove from me the husband of my affectionate 
choice, my support and comfort under the labours 
and anxieties of this mortal life. God of compassion, 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 141 

leave me not a victim to sorrow ; and, though thou 
hast not forbidden me to mourn, let me not mourn 
like those who are without Christian hope. I desire 
to cast all my cares upon thy good Providence ; as- 
sured, that I can never be destitute, whilst thou art 
my helper, or miserable, whilst I have thee for my 
portion. Whatever outward blessings thou mayest 
be pleased to deny me, may I never be deprived of 
the comfort of thy love. Vouchsafe, I pray thee, to 
raise up friends to assist me in my exigencies, and to 
counsel me to manage my affairs with discretion. 
Taught by painful experience, let me never forget 
what instability attends all earthly enjoyments. Give 
me grace to behave with propriety and suitably to 
my condition ; that I may be enabled at all times to 
look with comfort to thee as my friend, my father, my 
life, my deliverer. (To thy tender mercy I commend 
the beloved children whom thou hast given me.) To 
thy direction I would entirely submit ; into thy hands 
I resign all my interests in time and eternity ; and 
my soul would triumph in the exalted and assured 
hope of being eternally happy with all the objects of 
my affection, through thy grace in Jesus Christ my 
Lord and Saviour. Amen. 



11. 

A PRAYER FOR A SERVANT. 

O GOD, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and 
earth ! it is the ordination of thy good Providence, 
that there should be various stations and conditions 
in the world. It is thou, who appointest unto each 
the circumstances in which he is placed ; and I re- 
joice, that with thee there is no respect of persons, 
and that, whether men be high or low in society, all 
are thy children, all are furnished with the means of 



142 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

pleasing thee and becoming happy. I would cheer- 
fully submit to thine unerring direction; and desire, 
with a contented and thankful heart, to accept of the 
portion which thou givest me. Establish me, I be- 
seech thee, in the persuasion, that my present situa- 
tion is good for me ; and give me grace to reflect, 
that every state of life has its peculiar advantages 
and trials. Help me to cherish a meek and humble 
temper, and to imitate my blessed Master, who took 
upon him the form of a servant and condescended to 
the meanest offices, that he might set his disciples an 
example. Help me to discharge the obligations in- 
cumbent upon me, with faithfulness and zeal, from a 
principle of obedience to thee, my Judge, knowing 
that thou seest my inmost thoughts, and that what- 
soever good thing any one doeth, the same shall he 
receive at thy hands. Assist me to adorn my Chris- 
tian vocation by a careful, diligent, respectful, and 
peaceable behaviour, by the strictest sobriety and 
honesty, and by a solicitude not to waste the goods 
of those with whom I live, nor to mispend that time 
which I am bound to devote to their service. Make 
me duly grateful for every benefit which I receive ; 
and let me patiently suffer the inconveniences which 
attend my lot. If it should please thee, O thou su- 
preme Disposer of events, to make my outward con- 
dition more prosperous ; let me improve it well. But, 
whatever thou shalt order, let me be solicitous, above 
all things, to obtain the forgiveness of my sins, and to 
seek thy kingdom above ; that I may be exalted to it 
after death, through thy great mercy in Jesus Christ 
my Redeemer. Amen. 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 143 

12. 

A PRAYER BEFORE A JOURNEY. 

ALMIGHTY God, I raise my heart to thee as the 
Father and Preserver of men, and rejoice, that I can- 
not go where thou art not present as the Ruler of 
nature, as the Guardian of the righteous, as the 
Hearer of Prayer. Thine eye is continually upon 
me, and thy good Spirit conducts thy children 
through every stage of their pilgrimage. I com- 
mend myself O Lord, to the care of thy Providence, 
in the journey upon which I am entering ; humbly 
beseeching thee to defend me from evil, to preserve 
me from all temptations to sin, and to prosper me in 
my lawful designs. To thy holy keeping I commit 
(my family and) my friends ; and I pray, that, if it be 
thy will, they may be blessed in body and in sou], 
that I may return to them in due season in safety, 
that I may have a fresh occasion to praise thy name, 
, and that we may long live together, to enjoy the 
pleasures of domestic life, and to manifest our thank- 
fulness for all thy mercies. Hear my petitions, O 
thou God of compassion; and let me rejoice in thy 
grace and favour through Jesus Christ for ever and 
ever. Amen. 



13. 

A PRAYER FOR A PERSON GOING 
TO SEA. 

O ETERNAL and most merciful Jehovah, the Re- 
fuge and Protector of the sons of men : I lift up mine 
eyes unto thee, from whom alone cometh my help. 
Thou art the God of the sea, as well as of the dry 
land. Thou spreadest out the heavens, and rulest 
the raging of the ocean. At thy command, winds 

54 



144 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

and storms arise ; and, at thy word, the waves are 
still. Support and preserve me, Almighty Father, I 
beseech thee, when embarked on the great deep. 
Guard me from its dangers, from sickness, from the 
violence of enemies, and from every evil to which I 
may be exposed. Save me, above all, from that 
greatest of evils, the commission of sin and the for- 
feiture of thy friendship. Let me not utter thy name, 
but with the greatest reverence ; nor forget, that to 
thee I owe my security, and that thou holdest my 
soul in life. May I see thy works and wonders in 
all the objects I behold; and fortify my heart, in sea- 
sons of peril, not by blind courage or brutal insensi- 
bility, but by living a godly, righteous, and sober life, 
and by placing unbounded confidence in thy wisdom 
and goodness. May it please thee to give success to 
my undertaking, to conduct me in safety to the haven 
where I would be, and to bring me back with a grate- 
ful sense of thy mercies, and with an invincible de- 
termination to spend all my days to thy glory, through 
Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour. Amen. 



14. 

THANKSGIVING FOR A SAFE RETURN 
FROM TRAVELLING BY LAND OR BY 
WATER. 

MOST gracious and all-powerful God, whose 
mercy is over all thy works, and who alone makest 
men to dwell in safety : I praise thy holy name, that 
thou hast been pleased to preserve me and to bring 
me back to my habitation in peace. Thou hast de- 
fended me by thy Providence from perils and death. 

1 rejoice in thy goodness, and give thanks unto thee 
with my whole heart. O help me to manifest my 
thankfulness, by employing the life, which thou hast 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 145 

preserved, in a diligent obedience to thy command- 
ments; and enable me at all times to cherish and ex- 
ercise a filial trust in that paternal love, of which I 
have had continual experience. Pardon of thine in- 
finite goodness whatever has been wrong in my con- 
duct. Let me not forget, that I am but a sojourner 
here, and that I have no abiding place on earth. 
Let me ardently desire that better and heavenly 
country, for which all my present changes are in- 
tended to prepare me. And wherever I am, or 
whatever I may do, whilst I continue in this world, 
let me become more and more qualified for the bless- 
edness of that city which hath foundations, through 
the riches of thy grace in Jesus Christ my Saviour. 
Amen. 



15. 

A PRAYER FOR A PERSON ENGAGING IN 
ANY IMPORTANT BUSINESS. 

GREAT and merciful God, I look up unto thee, who 
teachest man knowledge, and givest both the skill 
and the power to accomplish useful purposes. Thou 
art my Guide, and my Help ; and without thee I can 
do nothing. Prosperity and adversity are dispensed 
by thee ; and thou alone seest what is good for thy 
creatures. With submission to thy will, I implore thy 
blessing upon the work which is before me. Give 
me discretion and understanding to direct me. Pre- 
serve me from presumption, imprudence, indolence, 
and a confident expectation of success. Teach me 
to use with diligence and caution the means, which 
thou art pleased to afford me for the accomplishment 
of this design. Enable me, especially, I beseech thee, 
to maintain integrity and a good conscience. May I 
form no plan and engage in no enterprise, that may 



146 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

endanger the property, the comfort, or the virtue of 
my fellow-men ; but habitually dread and fly from 
every thing, which may injure my neighbour. May 
I always act under the influence of the truth, that 
thou lovest righteousness and hatest iniquity, and 
that thou wilt reward every man according to his 
deeds. May I never fall into the temptations and 
snares of those, whose only aim is to be rich : but 
follow after justice, faith, love, patience, and meek- 
ness ; and have the witness in mine own heart, that 
godliness with contentment is great gain. Should 
it please thee to crown my efforts with success, may 
I be duly thankful to thee, and make a worthy use of 
thy favours. Should disappointment await me, may 
I submit with resignation, bless thy name, and trust in 
thy Providence. Whatever be the event, O Lord, 
do thou keep me in the path of duty, in thy fear and 
thy love. Let me perform all things according to 
the directions of that blessed Redeemer, whose fol- 
lower I desire to be. And, finally, vouchsafe to re- 
ceive me into thine everlasting kingdom, through thine 
unspeakable love in Jesus Christ thy Son. Amen. 



16. 

A PRAYER FOR A PERSON UNDER SUF- 
FERINGS OCCASIONED BY THE INJUS- 
TICE OR MALICE OF OTHERS. 

ALMIGHTY and most merciful God! I lift my 
heart unto thee, the refuge of the oppressed, the 
Friend and Patron of all thine upright servants. I 
bless thee, that no malice of men can rob me of thy 
love, and that, whatever I may suffer, thou hast en- 
couraged me to put my trust in thy name. Let it 
please thee, heavenly Father, to protect me by thy 
power, and to guide me by thy wisdom. " If it ap- 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 147 

pear good in thy sight, prosper my lawful endeavours 
to guard against injuries, and to secure that honest 
reputation, which is connected with usefulness in so- 
ciety. Should my exertions be unavailing, let me be 
comforted by the persuasion, that my witness is in 
heaven and my record on high. Help me to inspect 
my heart, and to review my life with the greatest se- 
riousness, that I may see if there be any evil way in 
me ; and do thou, the God of mercy, forgive all my 
forsaken sins, and enable me to become faultless and 
acceptable to thee. Pardon, I pray thee, all who 
have done or wished ill to me, and change their tem- 
pers and conduct. Give me grace to follow in all 
respects that Saviour, who, when he was reviled, re- 
viled not again, when he suffered, threatened not, but 
committed himself to thee the righteous Judge, and 
implored the salvation even of his murderers. And, 
after faithfully doing and suffering thy will on earth, 
grant that I may be united with him in heaven, praise 
thee for all the wonderful ways of thy Providence, 
and triumph in thy grace for ever and ever. Amen. 



17. 

A PRAYER FOR A PERSON EXPOSED TO 
CONSIDERABLE PERILS OR PAINS. 

O GOD, the refuge and strength of thy children ! be- 
hold in mercy thy feeble and dependent creature, who 
flies to thee for assistance and protection. I have had 
much experience of thy goodness in every stage and 
condition of life, and in every affliction thy mighty 
hand has sustained me. Let it please thee to conti- 
nue thy compassion, and to uphold me in every hour 
of danger. Preserve me from all distressing fears, 
and establish my confidence in thy wise and gracious 
government. When my sorrows are enlarged, make 



148 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

haste for my deliverance, and bring me out of all my 
troubles, if it seem good to thee. In the midst of any 
pains which I may be appointed to endure, let my pa- 
tience be perfected and my fortitude be supported by 
thy promises and the example of thy Son. And 
though my heart and my flesh should fail, be thou, O 
God, the strength of my heart ; and vouchsafe to give 
me the portion of those, who shall be raised to the un- 
fading joy and glory of heaven, through Jesus Christ 
my Lord and Saviour. Amen. 



18. 
A PRAYER FOR A SICK PERSON. 

ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, who hatest no- 
thing that thou hast made ! I desire humbly to own 
and to reverence thy hand in my present affliction. 
May my bodily suffering make my heart better, and 
lead me more justly to value health and strength, and 
to employ them to nobler purposes than I have done, 
if this sickness shall not be unto death. 

With submission to thy will, I pray for the remo- 
val of my disorder and for the perfect restoration of 
my health. Endue me with resignation, patience, 
and meekness, under the pain of disease and the irk- 
someness of confinement. Above all, prepare me for 
death. Blot out my numerous imperfections and sins 
by thine infinite mercy in Christ Jesus. Purify my 
heart, and make it the seat of faith, charity, and hope. 
Dispose and help me to set my house in order, and to 
do whatever is necessary in regard to my great 
change. And, when thou removest me hence, grant 
me an entrance into that world, where the inhabi- 
tants shall no more say, I am sick. 

Into thy hands, heavenly Father, I commit myself 
desiring, that no increase of pain may produce re- 
pining, that I may be numbered with those who love 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 149 

thee, and that I may find by experience all things, 
and this sickness especially, working my spiritual 
good. In every alteration, let thy promises be pre- 
cious to my soul, that I may come off a conqueror 
through thy blessed Son, and sing thy praises for ever 
and ever. Amen. 



19. 

ANOTHER PRAYER FOR A SICK PERSON. 

O LORD my God, who givest life and breath and all 
things to thy creatures, and who hast not thought 
even a crown of everlasting life too much to promise 
to thy children : thou wilt not deny me what is need- 
ful for my body and soul, in my passage through this 
world to that of honour and immortality. I would 
raise my heart unto thee with confidence in thine in- 
finite compassion. Establish, I beseech thee, in my 
soul the belief that thou dost not willingly grieve the 
children of men, but intendest good to me by this thy 
fatherly correction. Wherein soever I have neglect- 
ed thee, or committed any offence against thy laws, 
make me deeply sensible of it, and heartily sorrowful 
for all my transgressions. Mercifully accept my 
earnest desires of forgiveness, and prosper my serious 
resolutions to live more circumspectly and righteously 
in the time to come. Assist me, gracious Lord, to 
give a proof of the sincerity of my present prayers 
and professions, by patiently submitting to this dis- 
tressing dispensation of thy Providence, and by cheer- 
fully and meekly bearing whatever thou shalt inflict. 
Fill my mind with reverence of thy wisdom and au- 
thority, with a thankful remembrance of all thy past 
mercies, with an entire reliance on thy goodness, and 
with a supreme solicitude to delight in doing thy will. 
Thou, O God, art the Author of every remedy, and 



150 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

thy power alone can check disease. I beseech thee 
to bless the means which are used for the recovery 
of my health : that I may live, if it be thy will, to 
perform my duties with greater care. But, if thou 
hast otherwise appointed, accept, I pray thee, of thine 
unspeakable goodness, the sincerity of my repentance, 
according to the covenant to which thou hast called 
me in Jesus Christ, thy Son. Help me to finish the 
work which thou hast given me to do, and without 
delay to make every necessary preparation ; that, 
when the time of my dissolution draws near, I may 
have nothing else to do, but to resign myself to thee. 
If I have injured any, I would be reconciled unto 
them, and die in peace with all men. And when I 
shall suffer the last conflicts of nature, grant, great 
God, that I may keep my mind steadfastly fixed on 
that Saviour, who, after he had shed his blood for the 
remission of sin, led the way through the grave unto 
heaven. And through him be everlasting praises pre- 
sented unto thee from all the children of Adam. Amen. 



20. 

A PRAYER FOR THE HEAD OF A FAMILY, 

UNDER APPREHENSIONS OF DEATH, IN ACTIVE LIFE. 

GREAT and adorable God, in whose hands my time 
and fate are reposed ! hear the prayers of thine un- 
worthy servant, and fortify my soul under the dis- 
tresses which I feel. In the language of my Saviour, 
who suffered for me, leaving me an example, I would 
say : " Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from 
me ; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." — 
Spare me, I beseech thee, if it be agreeable to the 
purposes of thine infinite wisdom, that I may provide 
for my family, and bring up my children in the nur- 
ture and admonition of the Lord. But, if thou call- 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 1.51 

est me hence, be thou, O God, the husband of my 
companion, and the father of my offspi'ing. Let thy 
kind Providence be their stay and support in this 
world, and thy love their inheritance in the world to 
come. Graciously supply their wants ; protect them 
from injury ; counsel them under every perplexity ; 
and let them never by disobedience forfeit thy father- 
ly care. If I be no more in the world, holy Father ! 
keep those whom thou hast given me ; sanctify them 
through thy truth ; and grant us a happy meeting in 
thy glorious presence above, through the infinite riches 
of thy grace, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



21. 

A PRAYER FOR A SINCERE CHRISTIAN, 

WHEN THERE APPEARS BUT SMALL HOPE OF 
HIS RECOVERY. 

GOD of the spirits of all flesh, Source of life and hap- 
piness, gracious Father and Friend ! thou hast 
brought me to the gates of death, and the hour of my 
departure draweth nigh. Thou hast watched over 
me from my entrance into the world ; thy tender 
mercy has followed me all my days ; and thou hast 
assured me of an incorruptible inheritance beyond the 
grave. Accept the thanks of thine unworthy ser- 
vant for all thy loving-kindness. Accept my thanks 
for the gift of thy Son, for the promise of forgiveness, 
for the precious hope of immortality. Thou hast 
gladdened and consoled me through the whole of my 
career with countless blessings and mercies, although 
I have not merited the smallest. Pardon, of thine in- 
finite goodness, my ma,nj imperfections and sins ; and 
be pleased to accept my feeble, but sincere, endea- 
vours to serve thee. Thou callest me away ; and I 
am ready to follow. I rejoice, that all my conflicts 



152 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

and pains are drawing to a close. I rejoice, that I 
shall soon be privileged to pay thee more worthily 
that homage, which is due to thee. I know, that in 
thy presence there is fulness of joy and pleasure for 
evermore. Keep me, I beseech thee, my heavenly 
Father, in humble dependence on thy rich and free 
grace in my blessed Redeemer. Help me to suffer 
patiently like him, while I am visited with sickness, 
and like him to say at last, with immoveable confi- 
dence, "Father, into thy hand I commit my spirit." 
Comfort the objects of my affection, when I am re- 
moved from the world ; provide for them by thy pater- 
nal love ; preserve them for thine everlasting kingdom. 
There may I find all for whom I am now particularly 
concerned, be united with every one whom I may 
have thought my foe, and triumph in thy redemption 
with all the children of Adam. Living or dying, I 
am thine ; and thy will be done. O death, where is 
thy sting ? O grave, where is thy victory ? Thanks 
be to God, who giveth me the victory through my 
Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 



22. 

A PRAYER FOR A PERSON RECOVERED 
FROM ALARMING SICKNESS. 

BLESS the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within 
me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, 
and forget not all his benefits, who forgiveth all thine 
iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases, who redeem- 
eth thy life from destruction, and crowneth thee with 
loving-kindness and with tender mercies. I praise 
thee, great God, that, although thou hast chastened 
me, thou hast not given me over unto death. I praise 
thee, that thy powerful arm has arrested the progress 
of the destroyer, and helped me out of all my troubles. 
I thank thee for every comfort and alleviation of pain. 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 153 

with which thou hast been pleased to furnish me, and 
especially for the love of my friends and the promises 
of thy gospel. I acknowledge thine inexpressible 
goodness in restoring me from the brink of the grave 
and from the anguish of suffering, to endeared con- 
nections, to enliyened hopes, to new opportunities and 
increased motives for cultivating Christian affections, 
for abounding in good works, and for laying up trea- 
sures in heaven. 

God, let not these opportunities be neglected by 
me, but be wisely improved to thy glory. 

1 have experienced thy power and compassion. 
May I ever live in the exercise of a grateful confi- 
dence in both, and be duly sensible of my total de- 
pendence upon thy Providence and government. 

I have been brought to feel the realities of the 
world to come, the worth of thy favour, the value of 
a conscience void of offence. Almighty God ! let 
the convictions which I have had of. them never be 
extinguished in my breast. Enable me at all times 
to entertain that humble contrition for my sins and 
that penitential sense of my need of thy mercy, which 
the nearness of death was instrumental in producing. 
Help me to appreciate, as I ought, eternal things, and 
to do all that thou requirest, in order that I may se- 
cure thine approbation and friendship. 

Thou hast enabled me to realize the vanity and un- 
certainty of the world. Preserve me from attaching 
too much importance to its pleasures, honours, and 
possessions ; and assist me constantly to remember, 
how rapidly it is passing away. 

Thou hast taught me, by sickness, the worth of 
friendship ; and the offices of kindness, which have 
been performed for me, have, with thy blessing, cheer- 
ed, supported, and kept me alive. My God, let me 
never be insensible of the love of those, whose hearts 
thou hast warmed with good-will towards me. Make 



154 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

me ready to return their benevolence on every occa- 
sion. Let me be softened with humanity towards all 
that suffer ; and let me never behold a sick-bed with- 
out sympathy and charity. 

It was thy gospel, O thou God of all consolation in 
Christ Jesus, from which my hope was derived, when 
the shadows of death appeared to encompass me. 
The assurances which it contains of thy forbearance 
and mercy, and of eternal life through thy Son, were 
the only support of my spirit. O give me grace to 
cling with faster hold than ever to this rock of salva- 
tion, to abide in the love of Jesus, to follow him undis- 
mayed, and constantly to hope through him for re- 
demption and celestial happiness. 

Preserver of my being ! thou hast now shown me, 
how frail I am, hast given me a striking proof of the 
precariousness of life; and I know, that, ere long, I 
shall bid farewell to all whom I now behold. May I 
be better prepared, than I have been, for my depar- 
ture hence. May I walk by faith, and not by sight. 
May I be concerned to be always ready, and to be 
found in that frame of mind which will enable me to 
welcome death as the messenger of peace. 

Hear my prayers, I beseech thee ; forgive my sins, 
and make me thine, for evermore, through Jesus 
Christ. Amen. 



23. 

A PRAYER FOR AN AWAKENED SINNER. 
O THOU righteous and holy Being, from whom no 
secrets can be hid ! I am ashamed, and blush to lift 
up my face to thee. Mine iniquities are increased 
over my head, and my trespass is grown up unto the 
heavens ! I have slighted thine authority, forgotten the 
one thing needful, rebelled against thee, my Sove- 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 155 

reign and my Father, and violated laws which are 
perfectly holy, just, and good. Unthankful for thy 
mercies, and despising thine instructions, I have cast 
off thy fear, pursued the pleasures of sin, and nearly 
destroyed myself. My example has corrupted and 
emboldened others in vice. I tremble, while I think 
of the injury which I may have done to my compa- 
nions. I tremble, while I reflect upon the vile return 
which I have made to thee the best of beings, and 
upon the gulf of ruin towards which I have been ap- 
proaching. Hadst thou entered into judgment with 
me, and rewarded me according to my deserts, how 
awful would have been my condition ! Wretched man 
that I am, who shall deliver me and break the power 
of my evil habits ? God of compassion, be merciful to 
me a sinner. Unworthy as I am, cast me not away 
from thy presence ; deny me not the grace which thou 
hast encouraged me to implore ; help, Lord, or I pe- 
rish ; save my sinking soul, and give me repentance 
unto life. Impute not unto me, I beseech thee, my 
transgressions ; accept my humiliation and remorse ; 
and grant me to say from experience, with thee there is 
plenteous forgiveness and redemption. Create in me 
a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. 
Let not evil be present with me, when I would do good. 
Let me no longer run into the danger which I see. 
Let not unbelief and passion, and temptation prevail 
against the convictions, which thou hast given me, of 
the malignity and danger of sin, of the vanity of the 
world, of the worth of the soul, and of the awfulness 
of eternity. Preserve me from being fatally harden- 
ed and blinded. And though I have dishonoured thee 
and depraved myself; Almighty God, let thy Spirit 
operate upon my mind, and raise me up from the 
death of sin unto a life of righteousness. 

Lord of life ! cut me not off from the land of the 
living, until I am fit for death and judgment. Spare 







156 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

me to bring forth fruits meet for repentance. Give 
me grace to become such as I ought to be, to coun- 
teract the evil effects of the criminal course I have 
pursued, to make restitution to those I have injured, 
and to teach transgressors thy ways. Inspire me 
with a dread of relapsing into those iniquities, which 
have hidden from me the light of thy countenance. 
Whatever else may happen, whatever my vices and 
crimes may produce to me, let not the religious im- 
pressions of this moment be ever forgotten. 

O Lord, I am guilty and deserving of thy wrath : 
but thou hast revealed to me, that thou wilt not de- 
spise the sacrifices of a broken spirit. My whole re- 
liance is on thy mercy in Jesus Christ, whom thou 
hast set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his 
blood, and who is able to save to the uttermost all 
that come unto thee through him. In the name of 
this Mediator I offer up my prayers ; and I desire to 
glory in his cross, and to be accepted through him 
now and evermore. Amen. 



24. 

ANOTHER PRAYER FOR AN AWAKENED 

SINNER. 
O THOU infinitely great and glorious Jehovah ! I 
would raise my heart to thee as the all- wise and right- 
eous Governor of heaven and earth. From the ha- 
bitation of thy holiness, thou beholdest all the children 
of men. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest ini- 
quity, wheresoever thou seest it; neither can evil 
dwell with thee. 

I am convinced, great God, that thou hast an abso- 
lute right to my homage and allegiance. Thou art 
my Maker and my Sovereign ; thy laws are just and 
good in themselves, and adapted to answer the most 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 157 

beneficial purposes. Thou hast written thy will in 
the book of nature and the volume of. revelation, and 
enforced it with the most solemn and awful sanctions. 
Thou hast set life and death, heaven and hell before 
me ; my body and my soul, with all their faculties and 
interests, are every moment in thy hand. And yet, 
in how many instances have I revolted from thee, and 
disregarded thy salutary counsels and commands ! 
how far has my heart been from thy service and thine 
ordinances ! what corrupt desires and passions have I 
harboured ! what an excessive fondness for the world 
have I discovered ! how foolishly have I preferred 
temporal gratifications and pursuits to eternal joys ! 
how greatly must my behaviour and example have 
injured my fellow- creatures ! and what distress, dis- 
order, and remorse, have I prepared by my vices for 
my own soul ! — And, O thou most compassionate Fa- 
ther and Friend of the human race, how much more 
aggravated are my offences, when considered as com- 
mitted against the experience I have had of thy lov- 
ing kindness, against the endearing ties of gratitude, 
as well as against the obligations of duty and inte- 
rest ! Thou hast nourished and brought me up as thy 
child ; and yet I have rebelled against thee. Thou 
hast been my Guardian, my Guide, my unwearied 
Benefactor ; to thee I am indebted for all my worldly 
comforts ; to thy rich and free grace I owe the disco- 
veries and invitations of the gospel, the offers of par- 
don, and the hope of eternal felicity through the me- 
diation of Christ Jesus thy Son. And yet, how have 
I abused thy goodness, misapplied my advantages, 
despised thy grace, and rejected the offers of life and 
salvation ! 

Blessed God, I confess my guilt ; I am sensible, that 
thy favour is life ; I feel that I must perish, if I re- 
main far from thee. Have mercy upon me, miserable 
offender : and teach me so to think on my ways, as to 



158 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

make haste and not delay to keep thy commandments. 
I adore thy forbearance in lengthening out the space 
given me for repentance, though I have so long neg- 
lected this great and necessary work ; and I pray, that 
I may no longer draw back from the yoke of duty. 
Give me, O Lord, abiding views of the shortness and 
uncertainty of life, of the growing power of evil ha- 
bits, and of the vanity of expecting greater assistances 
of thy Holy Spirit, if I resist those which thou hast 
already afforded me. Enable me carefully to cherish 
every serious impression that may be made on my 
mind, and diligently to improve all the helps with 
which I am favoured. Dispose me to seek thee whilst 
thou mayest be found, and to call upon thee whilst 
thou art near. Assist me to learn that lesson which 
I am so slow to learn, and inspire me with a taste for 
the pleasures of religion and devotion. Spiritualize 
my affections ; ennoble my pursuits : quicken my de- 
sires and endeavours ; and grant, that with full purpose 
of heart I may cleave unto thee the Lord. 

Gracious God, though I have sinned against light 
and knowledge, and have justly deserved to forfeit all 
thy friendship, yet I would rejoice that with thee my 
help is found. Thou art ready to receive the peni- 
tent, and art waiting to be gracious to them. Thou 
hast sent thine only begotten Son to seek and to save 
those that are lost. Reconcile me to thyself and for- 
give and accept of me, for thy mercy's sake in him. 
And grant, that, being made free from sin and become 
a servant to thee, I may possess peace of heart, have 
my fruit unto holiness, and in the end receive the un- 
speakable and unmerited gift of eternal life, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 159 

25. 

A PRAYER FOR A PERSON, RECOVERED FROM A 
NEGLIGENT MIND TO A SERIOUS VIEW OF RELIGI- 
OUS TRUTH. 

ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, the just and 
equitable Ruler of the children of men ! behold in 
mercy thy frail and forgetful child, who turns unto 
thee with a penitent and humble heart. Blessed be 
thy name, that I am brought to see, how careless and 
unprofitable I am. Blessed be thy name, that, though 
I have been greatly inconsiderate and negligent, thy 
Providence and grace have prevented me from fall- 
ing into presumptuous and atrocious transgressions. 
But, while I thank thee, my heavenly Father, for the 
restraints which have been laid upon me; I confess 
with shame, that I have often been unmindful of what 
I owe to thee and thy beloved Son, and that I have 
not been duly influenced by the principles of thy sa- 
cred gospel. I have not been diligent in advancing 
the welfare of my fellow-men, have often lost sight of 
the concerns of my own soul and of the world to 
come, have been estranged from the worship and the 
love of thee, have not been studious to govern my 
heart, to rise above grovelling views, and to live by 
faith in him who loved me and gave himself for me. 
But I purpose before thee, who knowest my heart 
with all its frailties, no longer to be like those who 
are without God in the world. And I beseech thee, 
from whom wisdom and virtue proceed, to forgive the 
levity, the vanity, the folly, the worldly mind, with 
which I have been chargeable, and to inspire me with 
that Christian temper which I have neglected to cul- 
tivate. O give me fervent desires and abiding reso- 
lutions to serve and love thee, and to press toward 
the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ 
Jesus. Excite me to diligence in reading, meditation, 









160 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

and prayer. Assist me to delight in the ordinances 
of thy house, and in the study of thy holy word. 
Arm me against the influence of vain customs, and 
of careless companions. Lead me to make the regu- 
lation of my own mind, and the practice of a pious 
and virtuous life, my chief care and business. Help 
me to keep the instructions and the model of my bless- 
ed Redeemer habitually before mine eyes, to confess 
his name without fear before men, to follow no other 
maxims but his, to labour and cherish concern for his 
glorious cause, and to employ my powers and pos- 
sessions in the service of society according to his pre- 
cepts. I would no longer live, with my wishes and 
endeavours all centering here; but as a candidate for 
immortality, as a being who expects a judgment and 
an eternal state, as the disciple of a risen Redeemer 
who will come again and take his faithful followers 
to his own heavenly glory. 

Gracious God, be pleased to pardon my sins, to ac- 
cept this act of self-devotion, and to establish my holy 
purposes. I have sworn, that I will keep thy righte- 
ous statutes. Do thou give me strength to fulfil my 
vows, to grow in grace; and let nothing ever be able 
to separate me from the love of thee in Christ Jesus 
my Lord. Amen. 



26. 

A PRAYER FOR A SINCERE PENITENT, DISTRESSED 
BY THE DIFFICULTIES WHICH ATTEND HIS CHRIS- 
TIAN IMPROVEMENT. 

FATHER of mercies, whose strength upholds the 
weak ! I come to thee for protection and assistance, 
and rejoice that thou hast encouraged me to seek thy 
face. I have experienced that thou art good, and 
praise thee for wnat thou hast already done for my 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 161 

soul. From what threatening dangers has thy pater- 
nal love delivered me ! what everlasting gratitude is 
due to thee for opening the eyes of my mind, and af- 
fecting my heart with a sense of my duty to thee ! 
what tribute can I offer, expressive of that divine 
goodness, to which it is owing, that I am not blind 
and dead in trespasses and sins, and that I have not 
been cut off from this probationary state, unconcern- 
ed about the fate which awaits me ! 

O God, I adore thee as my Father and my Saviour, 
and bless thee for the merciful promises which thou 
hast given me through thy Son. But I confess and 
lament, before thee, my weakness and unfruitful ness. 
I lament the sins, which so easily beset me. I la- 
ment the difficulties in discharging my obligations, 
which are the sad effects of my former carelessness 
and wickedness. I lament the wanderings of my 
mind, the coldness of my affections, the power which 
past follies and transgressions still exercise too fre- 
quently over my imagination. I confess, that I de- 
serve to suffer, and that thou art righteous in all thy 
ways and doings. But I beseech thee, Almighty 
God, to strengthen me by thy Spirit in the inner man, 
and to preserve me from fainting under the tribula- 
tions which attend me. O bend my will more per- 
fectly to thine; and let none of those things, which 
once subdued me, any longer prove a snare. Thou 
knowest, that I hunger and thirst after righteousness : 
give success, I pray thee, to my endeavours, my 
watchfulness, my supplications. Cleanse me from 
every pollution both of the mind and the flesh ; and 
cause me to know, that blessed is the man who en- 
dureth temptation. Save me from presumption and 
from despair of success. Teach me to labour with 
diligence, and to confide in thee. And grant me to 
realize, that wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness, 
and that the path of the righteous is like the morning 



162 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

light, which shineth brighter and brighter unto the 
perfect day. 

My soul looks for help unto thee, who art able to 
do exceeding abundantly above all that I ask o*- 
think. And unto thee be glory by Christ Jesus, 
world without end. Amen. 



27. 

A PRAYER FOR AN UPRIGHT CHRISTIAN, DIS- 
TRESSED BY FEARS RESPECTING HIS FINAL AC- 
CEPTANCE AND SALVATION. 

O THOU, before whose eyes all things are naked 
and open, who triest the reins of the children of 
men ! I fly to thee, oppressed with sadness and fear. 
Thou hast invited the weary and heavy-laden to par- 
take of mercy : receive me, thy sorrowful suppliant, 
and revive my fainting soul. Thou delightest not in 
the misery of thy creatures : heal thou the wounds of 
my heart. I confess, O my God, that my sins have 
deserved more grievous punishments than I feel, and 
that it would be impossible for me to abide thy strict 
inquisition : but I plead the wonderful expressions of 
thy love and compassion to the contrite and humble, 
which are contained in thy word. Hast thou not de- 
clared, that all thy thoughts are thoughts of peace, 
and not of evil % Hast thou not assured thy people, 
that, although a mother should forget her child, yet 
thou wilt not forget or forsake thine offspring ? Hast 
thou not so loved the world as to give thine only-be- 
gotten Son for us, and wilt thou not with him freely 
give us all things which we need ? 

O Lord, thou knowest my frame and rememberest 
that I am but dust. Thou art acquainted with my 
frailties and apprehensions. Thou seest, that, infirm 
and guilty as I am, my soul thirsteth for thee the 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 163 

living God, as the hart panteth after the water- 
brooks. Be pleased to forgive my sins, to pardon 
my despondency ; and help me to serve thee with a 
quiet and cheerful heart. Remove my disease, whe- 
ther of body or of mind, if this seem good to thine infi- 
nite wisdom : and forbid, that I should entertain one 
thought injurious to thee and dishonourable to the cle- 
mency of thy character as revealed in thy gospel. 
Preserve me from delusion ; dispel my doubts ; con- 
firm my faith in thy promises ; clothe me with the 
garments of salvation. Above all, I beseech thee to 
give me grace perfectly to do and to suffer thy will. 
Help me to bring forth more of the fruits of the Spi- 
rit ; that I may have the evidence in my temper and 
life, that I am led by thy Spirit and am authorized to 
call thee Abba, Father. Whatever conflicts I may 
now have to sustain, let me persevere in well-doing 
with increasing zeal and delight, persuaded that thou 
art greater and better than my heart, and wilt not 
reject any that sincerely seek thy face through him 
whom thou hast appointed the Mediator of our race. 
" Why art thou cast down, O my soul ? and why 
art thou disquieted within me ? hope thou in God, for 
I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my coun- 
tenanc, and my God." . Amen. 



28. 

A PRAYER FOR A COMMUNICANT, BE- 
FORE THE CELEBRATION OF THE 
LORD'S SUPPER. 

SUPREMELY exalted and adorable God, unto 
whom all hearts are open ! I desire to worship thee 
as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the 
whole family in heaven and earth is named. I adore 
thine unspeakable goodness in raising up this great 



164 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

Deliverer from sin and death, for a benighted, guilty, 
and ruined world. I praise thee for the spiritual and 
heavenly blessings, which thou hast bestowed upon 
me through his mediation, crucifixion, and resurrec- 
tion. What gracious instructions flowed from his 
tongue ! What spotless purity marked his life ! What 
love and zeal filled his heart ! With what patience 
and kindness did he seek those that were lost ! What 
astonishing miracles attested his mission ! What a 
miracle of benevolence was exhibited in his painful 
and bloody death on the cross ! How triumphantly 
did he conquer the grave and ascend to thy throne 
in heaven ! Gracious God, how complete is his re- 
demption, how amazing thy benignity, how attract- 
ing and transporting the thought of my Saviour's 
compassion and victory! What could have been 
done for thy rebellious offspring, that has not been 
done ? What light, what comfort, what encourage- 
ment, what hope can I need, which the gospel of 
Christ Jesus does not abundantly supply ? 

O thou who seest in secret ! I confess that I am 
unworthy of my Christian privileges, and that I have 
not adorned my profession in all respects, as I ought 
to have done, by a holy walk and conversation. 
Who can tell, how oft he offendeth ? My heart con- 
demns me in many things ; and I am grieved, when I 
consider, in how small a degree I possess the spirit 
and temper of my Lord. Help thou me to examine 
and judge myself, that I may not be condemned by 
thee. Lead me, I beseech thee, to a full acquaint- 
ance with the state of my soul, and prepare me for 
the holy exercises to which I am called. Save me 
from all delusion, pride, and self-deceit. Forgive, of 
thine infinite goodness, every offence which I have 
committed ; and accept the renewal, which I am about 
to make of my vows. 

Thou invitest me to the memorial of my Saviour's 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 165 

dying love ; and blessed be thy name for this means 
of enkindling and increasing my affection and grati- 
tude to him. Take me into thy holy keeping, and 
grant that I may experience no distraction of mind. 
Let me not be an unfurnished guest, to whom it may 
be justly said, " How earnest thou in hither, not hav- 
ing on a wedding garment?" Let me approach the 
ordinance with penitence, thankfulness, and faith, with 
love and charity to all mankind. Eating the bread 
and drinking the cup, which Jesus instituted, let me 
embrace and hold fast the covenant of mercy, and 
find redemption through his blood. Direct me to 
profitable meditations upon what he said, did, and 
suffered ; and let the remembrance of his love, his 
sacrifice, and his glory, comfort, support, and strength- 
en me, in life and death. 

Heavenly Father ! be thou with thy servant who 
ministers to me in the sanctuary, with my fellow- 
communicants, with all my Christian brethren, and 
with every human being. Dispose all, who encircle 
thine altar, to feel and to act as friends, partakers of 
the same grace, and heirs of one blissful inheritance, 
through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen. 



29. 

A PRAYER FOR A COMMUNICANT, AFTER 
THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S 
SUPPER. 
FATHER of mercies, and God of love ! thou hast 
caused thy goodness to pass before me this day. 
Follow with thy blessing what I have been permitted 
and enabled to perform, in obedience to the injunction 
of thy Son, my Lord. If thy pure eyes have seen 
any thing culpable in my religious services, I beseech 
thee to pardon me. Let not the pious reflections 



166 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

which have occupied my attention, or the purposes 
which I have formed, in the company of my fellow- 
worshippers, and in showing forth the death of Jesus, 
ever be strange to my heart. 

I have avowed thee, the Lord, to be my God, en- 
gaging to keep thy commandments and to hearken to 
thy voice. I have confessed thy Son before men, 
publicly receiving his testimony, solemnly acknow- 
ledging him to be my divine Master and Guide, my 
Saviour and Forerunner in the path of holiness and 
glory. — O forbid, that I should ever make shipwreck 
of faith, by not holding fast a good conscience. Pre- 
serve me from the smallest degree of that spirit, which 
works in the children of disobedience. Preserve m& 
from proving faithless to my vows, and from bringing 
reproach on the Christian name. Help me to follow 
the Lamb, whithersoever he goeth : to abide in him, the 
true vine ; and to stand fast in the liberty wherewith 
he hath made his disciples free. Enable me at all 
times to remember his new command, that we should 
love one another, even as he has loved us. Save me 
from the shocking inconsistencies and the dreadful fate 
of those, who call him Lord, Lord, but unto whom he 
will say, " Depart from me, ye that work iniquity." 
Raise my affections from earth to heaven ; and assist 
me to be steadfast and immoveable, always abound- 
ing in the work of the Lord. 

Merciful Father, I have found that it is good for me 
to draw nigh unto the table of my crucified and ex- 
alted Redeemer. Make me habitually attentive to 
this cheering institution. While I thereby learn to 
value the Saviour and his gospel more, let me rejoice 
in the persuasion, that there is no condemnation to 
them which are in Christ Jesus, and that through him 
we have mercy and the forgiveness of sin. May I 
be privileged to come with boldness to thy throne, 
in his name, and his peace keep my heart in every 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 167 

changing scene. May I regard it as my highest ho- 
nour, to be his disciple and an instrument for advanc- 
ing his kingdom among men. May I triumph in this, 
that my Lord, who was once dead, lives and reigns 
forever, and that where he is his faithful followers 
shall also be. When he comes to judge the world, 
may he not be ashamed of me, bat receive me into 
his own mansions of love and joy. 

Once more, O thou Parent of all ! I implore thy 
blessing upon thy church universal, and upon the 
whole human family. Comfort every sorrowful soul. 
Bring into the way of truth all such, as have erred 
and gone astray. Convert all such, as are in the 
gall of bitterness and the bonds of iniquity. Lead 
all Christians to be careful to maintain good works. 
Let thy grace be multiplied upon the religious society 
of which I am a member, and upon the pastor of the 
flock. Let all, with whom I am connected, and who 
are dear to me, be enrolled in the book of life ; and 
let them and me be brought to sing the praises of God 
and of the Lamb for ever and ever. Amen. 



30. 

A GENERAL PRAYER WHICH MAY BE 

USED AT ANY TIME. 
O GOD, the Maker and Governor of the world ! I, 
thine unworthy servant, would appear before thee, un- 
der the deepest sense of thy perfections and of my total 
dependance upon thy Providence and grace. I re- 
joice that I am privileged to worship thee, whose 
glories are %r exalted above all that I can conceive, 
and before whom the hosts of heaven bow down with 
the profoundest reverence. I adore thee as possessed 
of all-comprehending knowledge, unerring wisdom, un- 
limited power, impartial justice, unbounded goodness, 



168 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

unspotted purity, unchangeable truth and faithfulness. 
I acknowledge thee to be the giver of all good gifts, 
and the disposer of all events. I confess, that thy fa- 
vour alone is life, and that I cannot be happy without 
thy love. I am sensible, that thou art the tenderest 
Father and best Friend to thy creatures, prescribing 
only such laws to them as a.re highly salutary, ever 
disposed to lead them to their true felicity, ready to 
promote and assist their siucere endeavours to obtain 
it, and constantly exercising thy perfections for this pur- 
pose. Precious is the thought of thee to all who are 
acquainted with thy character and who study to ac- 
complish thy gracious designs. Worthy art thou of 
the homage, affection, and obedience of all intelligent 
beings on heaven and on earth. 

I praise thee, O Lord, that, amidst the multitude 
of thy creatures and subjects, I am not forgotten 
and overlooked : but that thou knowest, and lovest, 
and providest for me, as thy child, with paternal 
care. I praise thee, that thou hast preserved me 
from many calamities and sufferings. I thank thee 
for all the powers of my nature, for the satisfactions 
and comforts of society, for the kindness of my rela- 
tions and friends, for every domestic enjoyment, for 
the measure of health and prosperity with which I am 
favoured, and for all those outward conveniences and 
advantages which thou hast been pleased to give me. 
I thank thee, that thou hast formed me after thine 
own image, made me free and intelligent, and des- 
tined me for an immortal existence. I bless thee for 
all the assistances which I have received for the cul- 
tivation of my mind, and for all the means of educa- 
tion and religion. Above all, I desire to bless thee 
for the mission and gospel of Christ Jesus, thy well- 
beloved and only begotten Son. I bless thee for the 
satisfactory evidences he gave, that he was truly 
sent by thee for the salvation of the world. I bless 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 169 

thee for his divine instructions, for his perfect exam- 
ple, and for all his labours and sufferings. I bless 
thee for his humbling himself even to the death of the 
cross, and shedding his blood for the remission of our 
sins ; for his resurrection from the grave, and for his 
entrance into heaven as our Captain and Forerunner. 
I bless thee for the effusion of the Holy Spirit upon 
his Apostles, for the propagation of his doctrines, and 
for the preservation of his church. How rich is the 
grace, which I have received through his mediation ! 
How wonderfully hast thou provided for my improve- 
ment, my comfort, and my everlasting welfare ! What 
can I render unto thee, in return for that mercy, to 
which alone it is to be ascribed, that I am not wan- 
dering in a land of darkness, superstition, and idola- 
try, that I am not the victim of fear and despair ? — 
What gratitude do I owe to thy dear Son, who sub- 
mitted to the most cruel death, that I might rejoice in 
the hope of thy compassion, and in the assurance of 
eternal life and glory ! Never, O God, can I repay, 
never can I fully express or worthily praise thee for 
all that thou hast done for my soul, for all the bene- 
fits which thou art continuing to bestow upon me from 
day to day. 

Encouraged, merciful Father ! by the invaluable 
promises of my Lord and Saviour, I draw near unto 
thy throne, to entreat of thee the pardon of whatso- 
ever thou hast seen amiss in me. I confess to thee, 
that my sins and infirmities are many and great, and 
that I could not expect any portion of thy favour, if 
thou shouldst be extreme to mark and to punish what 
is wrong. But it is the consolation and support of 
my mind, that thou hast sent Jesus Christ to save us 
from our sins, and that thou art pleased to accept the 
upright endeavours of the humble and penitent to re- 
form whatever has been criminal in their hearts and 
conduct. Forgive, I beseech thee, every wilful 



170 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

thought, disposition, word, and deed, which has been 
displeasing in thy sight ; and vouchsafe to justify me 
upon those terms, which thy holiness and mercy have 
laid down in the gospel. I do willingly and entirely 
forgive all, who may have injured or offended me. 
If 1 have done wrong to any, I am ready to make all 
possible reparation. I seriously renounce all com- 
munication with whatsoever thou hast forbidden, and 
devote myself to thy service and the performance of 
thy will. I am persuaded, that these are indispen- 
sable qualifications for thy favour ; and earnestly be- 
seech thee to give success to my purposes, by the in- 
fluences of thy Spirit, and the dispensations of thy 
Providence. 

May I never go astray from the truth as it is in 
Jesus, but seek for it with an impartial and unpreju- 
diced mind, be delivered from those passions which 
hinder its discovery, and obey it from the heart. 
May I be animated by that faith, which overcomes 
the world, which purifies the soul, and which works 
by love. May I be filled with that hope, which will 
not suffer me to be ashamed, but will cause me to run 
with patience the race set before me. May I be pos- 
sessed of that charity, which is the end of the com- 
mandment, and without which whosoever liveth is 
counted dead before thee. May I cherish a constant 
regard to thee as my Ruler and Judge, worship thee 
with a thankful and resigned temper, praise thee with 
gladness, and rejoice in thy protection. May I be 
concerned to resemble my honoured Master in every 
divine and amiable disposition, and imbibe his zeal, 
his devotion, his fortitude, his humility, his compas- 
sion, and benevolence. May I delight, like him, in 
doing good ; and press forward with unremitting ar- 
dour towards the mark of the prize of my high calling. 

My outward condition, O Lord, it is my happiness 
and duty to refer wholly to thy wisdom. With sub- 



PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 171 

mission to thy will, I implore from thee those things 
which are necessary to the security and comfort of 
life ; and pray, that I may be preserved from great 
calamities and afflictions, if this be consistent with thy 
gracious purposes. Lead me in that path, which thou 
seest to be best for me. Help me to become perfectly 
contented, to repose unlimited confidence in thy go- 
vernment, and to improve health and sickness, joy and 
sorrow, to thy glory. May 1 so pass through things 
temporal, as not to forget the things which are eter- 
nal. May I so use the world, as not to abuse it. 
Moderate in my desires for its good things, temperate 
in every lawful gratification, and patient under every 
disappointment, trial, or suffering, may I constantly 
aspire to a higher bliss than any which can here be 
obtained, lay a good foundation against the time to 
come, and daily look forward to the glory which is 
about to be revealed to thy faithful servants. May 
I behold the approach of death with peace and satis- 
faction ; and, when my course is finished, be removed 
from this mixed state of discipline to the land of un- 
fading happiness and perfect love. 

I praise thee, O God, that thou art the merciful 
Parent of all men ; and I beseech thee to have com- 
passion upon and to save every individual of the hu- 
man family. Be pleased to bless my friends, to re- 
ward my benefactors, and to take into thy holy keep- 
ing the family with which I am connected. Visit 
with thy light and comfort all who are afflicted with 
sickness and pain. Console and cheer all who are 
distressed in mind. Provide for the relief of those, 
who are suffering want. Pity the widow and orphan ; 
gladden the hearts of such as mourn the loss of those 
they loved ; hear the cries of the persecuted and op- 
pressed ; be nigh unto all, who are in circumstances 
of peril. Turn the ungodly to the love and fear of 
thy name ; support and strengthen every upright soul; 



172 PRAYERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. 

give rest and joy to every weary and heavy-laden 
sinner. Spread the gospel of Christ Jesus throughout 
the earth ; put an end to all war, strife, tyranny, and 
injustice ; and let every nation become virtuous, jen- 
ligbtened, and happy. Direct our rulers ;- preserve 
our liberties ; prosper our citizens ; assist us to be- 
come a righteous people, whom thou wilt bless and 
protect ; and let all our institutions for the education 
of youth, and for the maintenance and diffusion of 
pure religion, be crowned with success. 

Accept, O God, I beseech thee, these sentiments 
and desires of my heart, which I offer up in the name 
of my Lord Jesus Christ ; through whom I trust for 
the acceptance of my person, and all my sincere, but 
imperfect services. And unto thee be endless praise 
and glory. Amen. 









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